Komplikationen bei Densfrakturen

A distinction is made between intra- and postoperative complications. Intraoperative complications embrace incorrect repositioning, a poor overall view and injuries to organs in the neck (the carotic artery or the oesophagus). These can be avoided by precise repositioning preoperatively and adjustment of the dens in both planes with the aid of two image converters, and preoperative marking of the orientation of the screws. Postoperative complications can take the form of pseudoarthrosis and/or progressive myelopathy. Pseudarthrosis is stabilised with the aid of transarticular screw fixation after Magerl in combination with fusion using the Gallie or the Brooks technique. Progressive myelopathy frequently has its roots in inadequate repositioning resulting in restriction of the diameter of the spinal cord.