Neurological outcomes following iatrogenic vascular injury during posterior atlanto-axial instrumentation

The region that surrounds the atlanto-axial joint consists of complex anatomical relationships among structures such as the vertebral artery, upper cervical nerve roots, ligaments, and horizontal articular surfaces. These features allow for significant mobility, but escalate the complexity of atlanto-axial fusion surgery. The first reported attempt of surgical stabilization of the C1/2 joint was in 1910, by Mixter and Osgood, using a heavy silk thread to secure the posterior elements [32]. Modern day instrumentation techniques for posterior fixation of the C1/2 joint include transarticular screw (TAS) fixation and screw-rod constructs (SRC).
Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Source Type: research