Anterior Distraction and Reduction with Posterior Stabilization for Basilar Invagination: A Novel Technique

BACKGROUND: Introduction of a posterior spacer Tor atlantoaxial joint distraction followed by posterior stabilization is a commonly performed procedure for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. We present a unique case in which posterior distraction was associated with increased risk of injury to the vertebral artery (VA) owing to its anomalous course, and hence a novel anterior distraction technique was used. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old woman presented with severe neck pain for 1 month with gait imbalance and history of occipital headache for 1 year. Clinical examination revealed upper motor neuron-type findings. Hoffmann sign was positive bilaterally. Clinically, the patient had Nurick grade 4 cervical myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed basilar invagination along with Arnold-Chiari malformation and syrinx formation at C3-C4 vertebral levels. CT angiography revealed anomalous VAs directly overlying the atlanto-occipital joint. Owing to the anomalous route of the VA and unfavorable slope of facet joints, a 2-step anterior reduction followed by posterior stabilization surgery was planned. We achieved complete reduction using a 10-mm titanium cage inserted via a retropharyngeal approach. Following anterior reduction, instrumented in situ occipitocervical fusion was performed using a plate and screw construct. At 2-year follow-up, the patient is ambulating independently without gait imbalance and with successful radiologic fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The craniovertebral junction has a unique pathoanatomy, and the course of the vertebral artery is variable. Appropriate investigations, including computed tomography angiography, with adequate surgical planning will provide a desirable long-term outcome. Our novel technique has the potential to add a new dimension to the management of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation.