Transoral anterior revision surgeries for basilar invagination with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation after posterior decompression: a retrospective study of 30 cases

Purpose

To report the surgical techniques and clinical results of one-stage transoral anterior revision surgeries for basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) after posterior decompression.

Methods

From September 2008 to June 2012, 30 patients (16 men and 14 women) who had BI with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) after posterior decompression underwent anterior revision surgeries in our department. Dynamic cervical radiographs, computed tomographic scans and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained pre- and postoperatively to assess the degree of AAD and ventral compression on the cervical cord. The JOA scoring system was used to evaluate the neurological status. The revision surgeries were conducted by anterior approach, using the transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) system.

Results

The revision surgeries were successfully performed in all of the cases. The average follow-up duration was 16 months (range 6–39 months). For all of the cases, complete or more than 50 % reduction and decompression of C1–C2 were achieved. The cervicomedullary angle was improved by an average of 32.9°. Bone fusion was achieved within 3–6 months in all of the cases. Clinical symptoms were alleviated in 29 patients (96.7 %) and stabilised in 1 patient (3.3 %). No patients have developed recurrent or progressive atlantoaxial instability so far.

Conclusion

Anterior revision surgeries using the TARP system achieved reduction, decompression and fixation of C1–C2 in one stage for BI with IAAD. This technique offers an effective, simple and safe method for the revision of such cases after posterior decompression.     

Foramen magnum decompression for syringomyelia associated with basilar impression and Chiari I malformation--report of three cases.

Anterior or posterior decompression of the foramen magnum was performed in three patients with syringomyelia associated with basilar impression and Chiari I malformation. The operative results were evaluated using the pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images. Two patients with combined anterior and posterior cervicomedullary compression due to basilar impression and tonsillar descent received suboccipital craniectomy, upper cervical laminectomy, and dural plasty without any intradural manipulations via the posterior approach. One patient with prominent anterior cervicomedullary compression due to basilar impression and a sharp clivoaxial angle was operated on by the transoral anterior approach. Postoperatively, all patients showed a sustained shrinkage of the syrinx and rounding of the flattened cerebellar tonsils. Two patients showed upward movement of the herniated tonsils. All patients had improved symptoms during 2-4 years follow-up. Treatment of syringomyelia associated with basilar impression and Chiari I malformation requires more efficient decompressive procedures at the foramen magnum based on neurological and MR findings.     

经口前路寰枢椎复位钢板系统治疗先天性枕颈交界区畸形

目的探讨经口前路寰枢椎复位钢板（transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate,TARP）系统用于先天性枕颈交界区畸形手术治疗的临床疗效。方法 2007年12月-2011年12月采用TARP系统治疗先天性枕颈交界区畸形患者35例。所有患者术前术后均行颈椎过伸过屈位X线、枕颈交界区CT扫描及MRI以评估局部畸形及颈脊髓腹侧压迫情况;采用日本骨科学会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA）评分（17分法）评估术前术后脊髓损伤及恢复情况。术后3、6、12个月复查颈椎正侧位X线片及CT,评价内固定效果及融合情况。结果 35例患者均顺利完成手术,术后MRI示颈脊髓腹侧压迫均有明显减轻,延髓脊髓角术后平均增加约29.7°,31例（89%）患者术后神经功能有明显改善,4例术前术后神经功能无变化。术后随访1年未发现寰枢椎再脱位、螺钉松动、断裂或移位等并发症。结论TARP系统可对先天性枕颈交界区畸形合并腹侧颈脊髓压迫进行一期减压、复位及内固定,是枕颈交界区畸形理想的治疗手段之一。     

Surgical procedures on the cervical spine in polyarthritis.

Summary Patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer frequently from instabilities and deformities of the cervical spine which require surgical treatment. The most frequent indication for surgery represents the transverse atlantoaxial instability. As long the atlantoaxial instability remains reducible in extension a limited posterior exposure and screw fixation is adequate. Only situations with fixed dislocations and signs of myelopathy require anterior transoral decompression with simultaneous occipitocervical fusion. In the lower cervical spine, kyphotic deformities require anterior decompression and posterior stabilization in the case of electrophysiologically confirmed neurological deficits. A combined procedure with anterior vertebrectomy and decompression and posterior plate fixation is indicated since the poor bone quality rarely allows anterior stable fixation.      

游离齿状突并发寰枢关节脱位的治疗策略及疗效分析

目的:探讨游离齿状突并发寰枢关节脱位的治疗策略并观察其临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2006年1月至2015年1月手术治疗的17例齿状突游离小骨并发寰枢关节脱位患者的相关资料,其中男7例,女10例;年龄17～53(43.1±11.3)岁;病程3～27(10.2±6.9)个月.所有患者术前予颅骨牵引,14例可复性脱位患者中1...     

Congenital Reducible Atlantoaxial Dislocation: Classification and Surgical Considerations

Summary.  Background: Reducible atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) may cause severe motor and respiratory compromise due to recurrent spinal cord and/or brain stem impingement. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study concentrating on the classification, the protocol of the surgical management and the outcome of congenital, reducible AAD.  Methods: 109 patients with congenital, reducible AAD underwent posterior stabilization. Their preoperative disability was graded as: I (n=11, 10.09%) no functional disability (a history of minor trauma led to quadriparesis that subsequently improved); II (n=31, 28.44%) independent for activities of daily living with minor disability; III (n=42, 38.53%) partially dependent on others for their daily needs; and, IV (n=25, 22.93%) totally dependent. They were classified into 4 groups depending upon their association with: a normal odontoid and posterior arch of atlas (n=27); a dysplastic odontoid and normal posterior arch (n=25); an assimilated posterior arch (n=49); and, Arnold Chiari malformation type I (n=8). Nine patients with a dysplastic odontoid had a “hypermobile” AAD with an unrestricted backward and forward movement of the axis relative to the atlas in flexion as well as in extension of the neck, respectively.  The surgical procedures included Brooks' (n=12) or modified Brooks' C1–2 fusion (n=39); Goel's C1–2 fusion (3); Ransford's contoured rod fusion (n=7); Jain's occipitocervical fusion (n=47); and, transoral decompression and Jain's occipitocervical fusion (n=1). There were 6 peri-operative mortalities in the series.  Findings: At follow-up (ranging from 3 months to 6 years; n=86), 64 patients had shown improvement by one grade or more; 8 patients, who had a history of transient quadriparesis but were without neurological deficits at presentation, remained in grade I; 11 had achieved stabilization of neurological functions; while 3 had deteriorated despite adequate radiological reduction of AAD and fusion of the construct. A follow-up of 6 months or more was available in 79 of these 86 patients, in whom a dynamic intrathecal CT scan showed a good osseous union.  Interpretation: The patients with congenital reducible AAD, depending on their surgical management, may be classified into four groups. Some patients with a dysplastic odontoid have a “hypermobile” AAD and require special care during intubation, positioning and stabilization. An assimilated posterior arch is often associated with asymmetrical lateral occipito-C1–C2 joint synostosis rendering transarticular screw placement difficult. The various causes of failure of constructs are discussed. Published online October 31, 2002 Correspondence: Dr. Vijendra K. Jain, MCh, Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India.     

一期前路松解后路椎弓根钉固定融合治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位

目的 探讨经口咽入路前路松解一期后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定植骨融合治疗难复性寰枢椎前脱位的临床疗效,方法 2005年1月～2010年2月,采用经口咽入路前路松解,一期后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定植骨融合治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位合并高位颈脊髓压迫共21例.男15例,女6例;年龄26～70岁,平均51岁;病程6～30年.陈旧性齿状突...     

Transoral-transpharyngeal approach to the anterior craniocervical junction. Ten-year experience with 72 patients

The anterior transoral-transpharyngeal operation to correct ventral irreducible compression of the cervicomedullary junction was utilized in 72 individuals. The patients' ages ranged from 6 to 82 years, and 29 were children. The pathology encountered was primary basilar invagination, rheumatoid irreducible cranial settling, secondary basilar invagination due to migration of odontoid fracture fragments, dystopic os odontoideum, granulation masses, clivus chordoma, osteoblastoma, and chondroma of the atlas. Fifteen patients had associated Chiari malformation with basilar invagination. Fifty-two patients required subsequent atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fusion. Neurological improvement was the rule. There were two deaths within 30 days of surgery: one from myocardial infarction 4 weeks after surgery and one from Gram-negative septicemia of urinary tract origin. There was one pharyngeal wound infection. The ventral transoral approach provides a safe, rapid, and effective means for decompression of the abnormal craniovertebral junction.     

Successful treatment of adult Arnold-Chiari malformation associated with basilar impression and syringomyelia by the transoral anterior approach

A case of adult type I Arnold-Chiari malformation associated with basilar impression, syringomyelia, atlantoaxial dislocation, and occipitalization of the atlas is reported. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging clearly revealed evidence of severe anterior compression of the cervicomedullary junction due to basilar impression and a sharp clivoaxial angle. Therefore, transoral anterior decompression and fusion were performed, resulting in an improvement of the patient's neurologic signs and symptoms. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed an obvious reduction of the tonsillar herniation and syringomyelia, as well as an improvement of the cervicomedullary compression.     

寰枢椎脱位合并颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的手术疗效分析

目的探讨寰枢椎脱位合并颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的手术疗效。方法 2012年5月—2015年10月共收治寰枢椎脱位合并颈椎OPLL患者10例,其中易复型寰枢椎脱位8例,采用后路寰枢椎固定融合并颈椎单开门椎板成形术治疗;不可复型寰枢椎脱位2例,采用经口前路松解复位、后路枕颈融合并颈椎单开门椎板成形术治疗。采用日本骨科学会(JOA)评分及其改善率评估临床疗效,采用C2~7 Cobb角、颈椎活动度(ROM)、脊髓有效空间(SAC)和椎管狭窄率等评估影像学疗效。结果所有手术顺利完成。10例患者术后随访18~42个月,平均27.3个月。术后和末次随访时颈椎JOA评分较术前明显增加,其中JOA改善率优5例,良3例,可2例,优良率为80.0%。术后及末次随访时,颈椎Cobb角及ROM下降。术后SAC较术前明显增加,椎管狭窄率较术前明显降低。术中、术后无严重并发症发生,1例患者发生术后C5神经根麻痹,1例患者发生术后切口感染,经非手术治疗均痊愈。随访过程中无颈椎不稳、内固定松动或断钉现象发生,末次随访时所有患者均获得骨性融合。结论寰枢椎脱位合并颈椎OPLL手术治疗近期疗效确切,并发症发生率低。     

Transoral decompression evaluated by cine-mode magnetic resonance imaging: a case of basilar impression accompanied by Chiari malformation

Cine-mode magnetic resonance imaging provides simultaneous images of cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics. A patient with a basilar impression accompanied by a Chiari malformation and von Recklinghausen's disease who underwent transoral decompression is reported. Preoperative cine-mode magnetic resonance imaging visualized an associated obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid pulsatile flow at the level of the foramen magnum. Tonsilar herniation (Chiari I malformation) and hydrocephalus were also present. Postoperatively, the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow was resolved concomitant with the correction of the cervicomedullary angulation. On the basis of observations made by magnetic resonance imaging, the surgical treatment of basilar impression accompanied by Chiari malformation is briefly discussed.     

Craniovertebral junction lesions: our experience with the transoral surgical approach

The aim of this study is to review our experience with the transoral surgical management of anterior craniovertebral junction (CVJ) lesions with particular attention to the decision making and to the indication for a consecutive stabilization. During 10 years (1998–2007), 52 consecutive patients presenting exclusively fixed anterior compression at the cervicomedullary junction underwent transoral surgery. Mean age was 55.85 years (range 17–75 years). Encountered lesions were: malformation (32 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (11 cases), tumor (5 cases) or trauma (4 cases). A total of 79% of patients presented with chronic/recurrent headache (cranial and/or high-cervical pain), 73% with varying degrees of quadrip aresis, and 29% with lower cranial nerve deficits. All of the patients but two, with posterior stabilization performed elsewhere, underwent synchronous anterior decompression and posterior occipitocervical fixation. Adjuncts to the transoral approach (Le Fort I with or without splitting of the palate), tailored to the local anatomy and to the extension of the lesions, were performed in seven cases. Follow-up ranged between 4 and 96 months. Of 35 patients with severe preoperative neurological deficits, 33 improved. The remaining 15 patients who presented with mild symptoms, healed throughout the follow-up. Perioperative mortality occurred in two cases and surgical morbidity in eight cases (dural laceration, cerebrospinal fluid leak with meningitis, malocclusion, oral wound dehiscence and occipital wound infection). Delayed instability occurred in one patient because of cranial settling of C2 vertebral body. A successful surgery achieving a stable decompression at the CVJ is an expertise demanding procedure. It requires accurate preoperative evaluation and, appropriate choice of decompression technique and stabilization instruments. Enlarged transoral approaches (despite higher morbidity) are a supportive means in cases of severe basilar invagination, cranial extension of the lesion or limited jaw mobility.

     

Ventral compression in adult patients with Chiari 1 malformation sans basilar invagination: cause and management

Background  

A small subset of patients with adult Chiari I malformation without basilar invagination (BI) and instability show ventral cervicomedullary distortion/compression and have symptoms pertaining to that. The cause of this ventral compression remains speculative. Additionally, it is unclear if these patients would require ventral decompression with posterior fusion or only posterior decompression would suffice.     

Chiari I malformation related syringomyelia: radionuclide cisternography as a predictor of outcome

Summary Background. This prospective study, conducted in patients with Chiari I malformation (C I) related syringomyelia who underwent posterior decompression and duroplasty, utilizes radionuclide cisternography in order to study the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics at the foramen magnum and to predict the clinical outcome following surgery.Methods. 17 consecutive patients of C I with syringomyelia (but without hydrocephalus or fixed atlanto-axial dislocation), underwent a detailed neurological examination and were assigned a clinical disability score based on the modified Klekamp and Samii score. A radionuclide cisternography (using Tc99m-DTPA) was performed via the lumbar route and the ascent of the tracer was followed utilizing a gamma camera immediately after injection and then sequentially after 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours. After posterior decompression and duroplasty, the modified Klekamp and Samii score was repeated at follow-up visits (range: 3 months to one year) along with radionuclide cisternography at 3 months, and MR imaging at 6 months.Findings. Three patterns of tracer flow were observed: a) rapid flow (n=7); b) supratentorial subarachnoid delay (n=7); and, c) foramen magnum block (n=3). The patients having foramen magnum block had the poorest clinical scores on admission. At follow up, there was an improvement in the clinical scores so that the mean scores in all three categories reached nearly the same level. Following posterior decompression, the radionuclide cisternography performed in 10 patients showed a rapid flow of the tracer without any obstruction. The syrinx resolved in 4 of the 11 patients in whom an MRI was done.Interpretation. The patients with C I with syringomyelia may often have a free flow of tracer across the FM. Posterior decompression and duroplasty provides maximum clinical relief in patients with a demonstrable foramen magnum block on radionuclide cisternography while those with a normal flow have less relief. The symptomatology related to brain-stem compression immediately responds to the surgical procedure but the syrinx-induced signs and symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction persist.     

Transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate internal fixation for the treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation: a 2‐ to 4‐year follow‐up

Objective: To evaluate the mid‐term outcomes of transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) internal fixation for the treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. Methods: From April 2003 to April 2005, 31 patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation were treated with TARP internal fixation. The average age was 37.9 years (range, 15–69 years). The subjective symptoms, objective signs, and neurological function of the patients were assessed. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed and the results analyzed according to the Symon and Lavender clinical standard, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for spinal cord function and imaging standard for spinal cord decompression. Results: Complete or almost complete anatomical reduction was obtained in all 31 patients. No screw‐loosening or atlantoaxial redislocation was found in 29 cases. According to the Symon and Lavender clinical standard, 14 cases had recovered completely, 7 to mild, 6 to moderate, and 4 to severe type by final follow‐up, compared to the preoperative classifications of 4 as moderate, 15 as severe, and 12 as extra severe type. The outcome for 26 patients was evaluated as excellent and in 5 as adequate. The average postoperative improvement in spinal cord function was 73.3% and of decompression of the cervical cord 92.6%. The only complication was loosening of screws in two cases with senile osteoporosis. One case underwent TARP revision surgery and the other posterior occipitocervical internal fixation. Both of them were eventually cured. Conclusion: The TARP operation is a good choice for patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation and has valuable clinical application.     

Combined anterior and posterior approach for managing basilar invagination associated with type I Chiari malformation

Ventral brainstem compression is common in patients with basilar invagination associated with type I Chiari malformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a combined one-session anterior-posterior surgical approach for these patients. Nine patients underwent transoral odontoidectomy, posterior foramen magnum decompression, occipitocervical fixation, and bone grafting. All but two patients had ventral and dorsal operations in one surgical sitting. One of these two individuals had previously undergone posterior decompressive surgery at another hospital, but his condition had deteriorated rapidly afterward. The mean follow-up time was 19 months (range, 14-30 months). There was no mortality and no significant morbidity in this series. All but one of the patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms. Chiari malformations have a surprisingly high association with basilar invagination, and patients may have symptoms in both conditions. If there is a marked anterior compression, anterior transoral and posterior decompression, fusion, and instrumentation is an optimal strategy for treating patients with basilar invagination associated with type I Chiari malformation.     

Craniocervical tuberculosis: protocol of surgical management

OBJECTIVE: Craniovertebral junction tuberculosis (CVJ-TB) is rare and occurs in only 0.3 to 1% of patients with tuberculous spondylitis. In the available literature, the treatment options offered for this entity have ranged from a purely conservative approach to radical surgery without well-defined guidelines. In this study, we attempt to establish the most effective strategy for the management of this condition. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with CVJ-TB were treated during the past 8 years. Severe neck pain, restricted neck movement, and myelopathy were the predominant symptoms. The patients were graded according to their disability as follows: Grade I (n = 7), only neck pain with no pyramidal tract involvement; Grade II (n = 8), independent with minor disability; Grade III (n = 1), partially dependent on others for assistance with activities of daily living; and Grade IV (n = 9), completely dependent on others for assistance with all activities of daily living. Nine patients in Grade IV also had severe respiratory compromise. In all patients, lateral radiographs of the CVJ in flexion and extension were used to determine the presence of atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). Bony destruction, paraspinal abscess, and thecal compression were seen on intrathecal contrast computed tomographic scans (n = 9) and magnetic resonance imaging studies (n = 22). Under the cover of antituberculous therapy (ATT) administered for 18 months, the patients were placed under a management protocol that took into account the patient's preoperative grade, the presence of mobile or fixed AAD, bony destruction and retropharyngeal abscess formation at the CVJ, and the clinicoradiological response to ATT within 3 months. Thus, 14 patients were kept on conservative management, with their neck movements stabilized with an external orthosis; 4 patients underwent a single-stage transoral decompression and posterior fusion procedure; and 7 patients underwent direct posterior fusion. RESULTS: In a follow-up period that ranged from 6 months to 7 years (mean, 2.5 yr), the patients in Grades I and II maintained their neurological status. The single patient in Grade III improved to Grade II. Seven of the nine patients in Grade IV returned to normal, and one improved to Grade II. Neck pain improved in all patients. The only death in the series occurred as a result of aspiration pneumonitis leading to septicemia in a child in Grade IV with poor respiratory status and multilevel tuberculous involvement who had undergone transoral decompression and posterior fusion for fixed AAD. CONCLUSION: This study discusses the clinicoradiological presentation as well as the management of CVJ-TB, in which ATT is administered for 18 months. In the patients with minor deficits (Grades I and II), conservative neck stabilization is adopted; in the patients with severe deficits (Grades III and IV) due to significant cervicomedullary compression caused by fixed AAD or bone destruction and granulation, anterior decompression and posterior fusion are performed. Patients with persistent reducible AAD undergo direct posterior fusion. A significant improvement is possible even in poor-grade patients with judicious use of the surgical options and ATT.     

陈旧性寰枢椎脱位与枕颈不稳的手术治疗

目的　观察两种内固定方法治疗陈旧性寰枢椎脱位与不稳的疗效。方法　自 1992—2 0 0 0年收治 36例陈旧性寰枢椎脱位与枕颈不稳的患者 ,年龄 12～ 6 1岁 ,平均 38岁 ;病程 1个月～ 8年 ,平均 16个月。 2 2例颅骨牵引复位或基本复位的 ,用 Gallie法寰枢椎固定 ,C1～ 2 髂骨植骨。 9例牵引未复位和 5例枕颈区畸形的 ,用 Ransford环固定 ,枕颈区减压 (C0 ～ C2 )和枕颈植骨融合。结果　 1例术后 4天死亡 ,35例随访 3个月～ 4年。寰枢椎固定 2 2例中 2 1例获骨性融合 ,2例复位不满意 ,其中 1例植骨不愈合。Ransford法 13例有 12例骨性融合 ,1例植骨块断裂未愈合 ,但内固定无松动。术后神经功能明显改善。结论　颅骨牵引复位的陈旧性寰枢椎脱位 ,Gallie法寰枢椎固定疗满意。 Ransford环固定对枕颈区减压和枕颈融合能提供可靠的固定作用。     

Craniovertebral junction lesions: our experience with the transoral surgical approach

The aim of this study is to review our experience with the transoral surgical management of anterior craniovertebral junction (CVJ) lesions with particular attention to the decision making and to the indication for a consecutive stabilization. During 10 years (1998–2007), 52 consecutive patients presenting exclusively fixed anterior compression at the cervicomedullary junction underwent transoral surgery. Mean age was 55.85 years (range 17–75 years). Encountered lesions were: malformation (32 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (11 cases), tumor (5 cases) or trauma (4 cases). A total of 79% of patients presented with chronic/recurrent headache (cranial and/or high-cervical pain), 73% with varying degrees of quadrip aresis, and 29% with lower cranial nerve deficits. All of the patients but two, with posterior stabilization performed elsewhere, underwent synchronous anterior decompression and posterior occipitocervical fixation. Adjuncts to the transoral approach (Le Fort I with or without splitting of the palate), tailored to the local anatomy and to the extension of the lesions, were performed in seven cases. Follow-up ranged between 4 and 96 months. Of 35 patients with severe preoperative neurological deficits, 33 improved. The remaining 15 patients who presented with mild symptoms, healed throughout the follow-up. Perioperative mortality occurred in two cases and surgical morbidity in eight cases (dural laceration, cerebrospinal fluid leak with meningitis, malocclusion, oral wound dehiscence and occipital wound infection). Delayed instability occurred in one patient because of cranial settling of C2 vertebral body. A successful surgery achieving a stable decompression at the CVJ is an expertise demanding procedure. It requires accurate preoperative evaluation and, appropriate choice of decompression technique and stabilization instruments. Enlarged transoral approaches (despite higher morbidity) are a supportive means in cases of severe basilar invagination, cranial extension of the lesion or limited jaw mobility.     

颅底凹陷症伴寰枢椎脱位后路术后TARP翻修

目的评价经口寰枢椎复位钢板(TARP)内固定在颅底凹陷症伴寰枢椎脱位后路减压术后翻修手术中的应用价值。方法 2008年9月至2012年6月广州军区广州总医院采用TARP内固定翻修手术治疗30例颅底凹陷症伴寰枢椎脱位后路减压术后症状无改善或加重的患者。通过手术前后颈椎过伸过屈位X线片、上颈椎CT扫描及三维重建、MRI检查观察寰枢椎脱位和颈脊髓压迫改善情况,根据日本骨科学会(JOA)评分标准评估患者术后神经功能恢复情况。结果所有翻修手术成功完成,手术时间120~250 min,平均手术时间150 min;术中出血量50~200 mL,平均出血量120 mL。随访6~39个月,平均随访时间16个月。30例患者寰枢椎脱位均获得满意减压复位,脊髓压迫完全解除,术后3~6个月均达到骨性愈合。寰齿间隙从术前的(9.1±1.4)mm降至术后的(1.6±1.4)mm,颈髓角从术前(116.5±12.0)°提高到术后(149.3±10.4)°,手术前后比较,差异有统计学意义(t=18.842,P=0.000;t=—16.520,P=0.000)。29例神经功能获得改善、1例无变化;JOA评分由术前的(10.8±2.3)分提高至术后6个月的(14.5±1.9)分,手术前后比较,差异有统计学意义(t=—17.440,P=0.000)。随访期内无寰枢椎再次脱位或症状加重表现;1例术后2周出现肺部感染,术后1个月枢椎螺钉松动,予抗感染治疗及螺钉调整术后痊愈出院。结论 TARP内固定是颅底凹陷症伴寰枢椎脱位安全有效的治疗方式之一,对于后路减压术后内固定及植骨融合困难的翻修病例具有较好的应用价值。