Treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation using the transoral atlantoaxial pedicle screw technique A report of 10 cases

Objective. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the outcome of the transoral atlantoaxial pedicle screw technique for the treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD). Patients and methods. A total of 10 patients with IAAD were treated using the transoral atlantoaxial pedicle screw technique. We compared preoperative and postoperative JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) scores and observed bone graft fusion rate of the atlantoaxial joint, and examined whether our technique was suitable for the treatment of IAAD. Results. The mean preoperative and postoperative JOA scores (9.2 +/- 0.63 and 12.9 +/- 0.73, respectively) were significantly different (P < 0.05). The atlantoaxial rigid bony fusion rate was 100 % in 10 cases. All cases were followed up for an average of 5.1 years (range 3.5-6 years). Conclusion. The transoral atlantoaxial screw reconstruction plate technique is a novel surgical technique for the treatment of IAAD in upper cervical diseases.