Type D fractures of the odontoid process

Type D fractures of the odontoid process are rare and usually occur in the elderly. The mechanism of fracture is unclear. Non-operative treatment is indicated provided that adequate immobilization using skull traction followed by either a collar or a halo vest can be achieved. The prognosis is usually favorable for this type of fractures. We present six patients with complex (type D) fractures of the odontoid process admitted and treated at our institution since 1970. There were five men and one woman with a mean age of 57.7 years (range, 16–81 years). Although there were concomitant injuries, no neurological deficits due to the odontoid process fracture was detected. All patients were treated non-operatively using skull traction or a halo vest for 8–12 weeks. One patient deceased 2 days after the injury. At the latest examination, all the remaining five patients had complete union of the odontoid process fracture; three of them had excellent range of motion and two had painful or restricted range of motion of the upper cervical spine.     

A review of halo vest treatment of upper cervical spine injuries

Thirty-five relevant studies involving in total 682 patients with 709 different types of injuries were evaluated in a review to determine the outcomes after immobilisation in a halo vest for various injuries to the upper cervical spine between 1962 and 1998. Studies were analysed according to the type of injury pattern and in terms of the treatment outcomes following primary treatment with a halo vest. The following types of injuries were evaluated: odontoid fractures (n = 420), hangman's fractures (n = 172), other axis fractures (n = 75), Jefferson fractures (n = 26), C1 arch fractures (n = 9), atlantooccipital (n = 2) and atlantoaxial dislocations (n = 5). The ligamentary atlantooccipital dislocations never healed. All isolated Cl ring fractures healed completely. The isolated C1 arch fractures healed in 83% of the cases. The ligamentary atlantoaxial dislocations had a 60% rate of healing. Healing was noted in all isolated odontoid type I fractures, 85% of the isolated odontoid type II fractures, and 67% of the odontoid type II fractures with combined injuries. The isolated odontoid type III fractures had a 97% healing rate. The non-classifiable odontoid fractures had a healing rate of 85%. The stable C2 arch fractures (hangman's fracture) healed consistently in 99%, and 90% success was found for other C2 fractures. A halo vest can be recommended for patients with isolated Jefferson fractures, hangman's fractures, odontoid type III and type II fractures, with a low dislocation rate. The results of treatment with a halo vest were unsatisfactory with regard to combined injuries with an odontoid type II fracture. An overall healing rate of 86%, however, allows one to conclude that this treatment continues to be a good alternative to operative stabilisation of bone injuries to the upper cervical spine.     

The stabilizing effects of different orthoses in the intact and unstable upper cervical spine: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND: Although cervical orthoses are frequently used in prehospital stabilization and in the definitive treatment for lesions of the cervical spine, there is little information about the control of extension-flexion, lateral bending, and rotation given to individual segments by different designs. METHODS: In an experimental in vitro study with four fresh frozen cadavers, the halo vest was compared with the soft collar, prefabricated Minerva brace, and Miami J collar. The controlling effects for the segments C1-2 and C2-3 were tested for all four devices in the intact and the unstable spine with an Anderson type II fracture of the odontoid. RESULTS: All four orthoses reduced the range of motion at both C1-2 and C2-3 of the intact spine significantly, although none of the three semirigid devices provided a halo-like immobilization in the intact spine. The osteotomy of the odontoid increased the range of motion in the segment C1-2. The soft collar did not give any clinically relevant stability to the unstable spine. Miami J and Minerva brace provided a similar moderate control in the sagittal plane but a much better control of "torque" in the upper cervical spine. The halo vest did not allow any measurable motion in any plane with our experimental external loading. CONCLUSION: The halo vest seems to be the first choice for conservative treatment of unstable injuries of the upper cervical spine, although pin track problems, accurate fitting of the vest, and a lack of patient compliance lead to clinical failures.     

Influence of halo vest treatment on vital capacity

Respiratory function (vital capacity) was studied in 20 consecutive patients with unstable cervical spine injuries treated with a halo vest. Eight patients were neurologically intact. Twelve patients had incomplete spinal cord injuries that were classified on a neurologic function scale (Sunny-brook) immediately and 3 months after injury. Spirometric tests were done within 1 week of halo vest fixation, after 3 months of treatment, and 1 week after dismounting of the halo vest. The results showed that initial vital capacity was smaller than predicted normal in all patients and 30% less in neurologically impaired patients. Both groups improved during the treatment and somewhat more after removal of the halo vest. In neurologically intact patients, the halo vest caused a respiratory restriction of 10%, which was fully regained after removal of the halo vest. The difference between the groups remained throughout the study. There was no evidence that the halo vest itself affects the vital capacity more in patients with incomplete cord lesions than in neurologically intact patients. All of the cervical spine injuries healed uneventfully.     

Temporäre perkutane Spondylodese C1/2 und Halotransfixation

Dislocated combined injuries of the upper cervical spine such as C 1/2 fractures require occipitocervical fusion, especially if the dislocation can not be redressed using halo vest immobilisition. We report on the clinical course and outcome of a young woman who sustained complex cervical spine injuries. Closed reduction and a percutaneous transfixation of C 1/2 with k-wires (Magerl) and an additional halo vest immobilisition was performed to avoid permanent fusion. The 25 year old patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a dislocated Jefferson's fracture, an odontoid fracture type II (Anderson and d'Alonso) with protrusion into the foramen magnum, and a dislocated C 6/7 fracture. A ventral spondylodesis C6/7 was followed by temporary dorsal spondylodesis C1/2 with k-wires (Magerl) and additional halo vest immobilisition after closed reduction. The temporary percutaneous fixation C1/2 was removed after 11 weeks, as was the halo vest immobilisition. After removing the temporary percutaneous fixation (k-wires) and the halo system, the patient showed very good functional results in terms of range of motion with only minor discomfort. Complex injuries of the upper cervical spine that cannot be retained by external fixation often require an occipitocervical fusion or fixation of C1/2. In the case presented, the temporary percutaneous fixation (Magerl) with k-wires was terminated after 3 months to avoid significant functional impairment. Younger patients benefit most from temporary fusion of the upper cervical spine, which results in better functional outcome and only minor pain.     

Halo immobilization of cervical spine fractures. Indications and results.

Thirty-three patients with a spectrum of cervical spine fractures or subluxations were treated with immobilization by a halo apparatus. All spines were assumed to be unstable because of the nature of the fracture or because of a subluxation noted on spine films. Treatment consisted of immobilization and fracture reduction followed by application of a halo plaster cast or molded halo plastic vest. Patient acceptance was high. Complications were few and minor. No patient experienced neurological deterioration during treatment. Reduction was well maintained during an average halo immobilization period of over 3 months. Use of the halo resulted in healing of bone and ligament and restoration of stability in 85% of the patients. Halo immobilization was efficacious in the treatment of odontoid and hangman's fractures as well as complex fractures involving multiple areas of a single vertebra. It was also used successfully as an adjunct to posterior cervical fusion. Although several patients with subluxations or angulation without bone injury were treated successfully, two of the four therapy failures occurred in this group of patients, and the halo must be used with caution in this clinical setting. Contraindications to the use of the halo include complete cervical spinal cord injury with anesthetic skin, tomographic and/or myelographic evidence of disc or bone within the spinal canal, and unsatisfactorily reduced subluxations. The halo has provided more effective and reliable immobilization than other orthoses. It is an acceptable alternative to cervical fusion for the achievement of stability in a wide variety of cervical spine fractures and dislocations avoiding both the short-term and perhaps long-term complications of spinal fusion.     

The effect of halo-vest length on stability of the cervical spine. A study in normal subjects

In order to study how the efficiency of the halo vest is affected by different lengths of the vest, an experimental headband was devised that allowed the head of a normal person to be held securely in the halo attachment. The vest was then modified to allow it to be adjusted to three different lengths (Fig. 2): a full vest extended to the iliac crests, a short vest extended to the twelfth ribs, and a half vest extended to the level of the nipples. Twenty normal, healthy adult men participated in the study. For each vest length, radiographs were made of each subject demonstrating rotation, flexion-extension, and lateral bending of the cervical spine. There was no rotation of the cervical spine, regardless of the length of the vest. There was a variable degree of motion in flexion or extension of the upper part of the cervical spine with all vest lengths, but this was not statistically significant. There was definite increase of motion caudad to the level of the fifth cervical vertebra regardless of the length of the vest. We concluded that a lesion of the upper part of the cervical spine can be treated effectively by halo traction with a half vest. This will improve the comfort and care of the patient and avoid the necessity of removing the vest if emergency cardiovascular resuscitation is needed. In the treatment of lesions of the lower part of the cervical spine (caudad to the level of the fourth cervical vertebra), the use of a halo vest that extends caudad to the level of the twelfth ribs does provide additional stability.     

Case Report

The treatment of unstable burst fractures of the atlas (Jefferson fractures) is controversial. Unstable Jefferson fractures have been managed successfully with either immobilization, typically halo traction or halo vest, or surgery. We report a patient with an unstable Jefferson fracture treated nonoperatively with a cervical collar, frequent clinical examinations, and flexion-extension radiographs. Twelve months after treatment, the patient achieved painless union of his fracture. The successful treatment confirms prior studies reporting unstable Jefferson fractures have been treated nonoperatively. The outcome challenges the clinical relevance of treatment algorithms that rely on the "rules of Spence" to guide treatment of unstable Jefferson fractures and illustrates instability may not necessarily be present in patients with considerable lateral mass widening. Additionally, it emphasizes a more reliable way of assessing C1-C2 stability in unstable Jefferson fractures is by measuring the presence and extent of anterior subluxation on lateral flexion and extension views.     

Anterior fusion for rotationally unstable cervical spine fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 32 rotationally unstable cervical fractures treated by brace, halo vest, or posterior surgical constructs plus fusion is compared with a second, prospective study of 18 similar fractures treated by early anterior discectomy, fusion, and plating. OBJECTIVES: To characterize an often unrecognized fracture pattern and compare various methods of management to identify the most effective treatment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The rotationally unstable cervical spine fracture (compression-extension Stage 1) involves a hyperextension and lateral flexion injury, resulting in a unilateral pedicle, facet complex, and/or lamina fracture under compression and anterior annular disruption under tension. This fracture pattern allows a rotatory spondylolisthesis of the spine around the axis of the intact lateral mass and facet complex. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of 284 cervical fractures, identifying 32 compression-extension Stage 1 fractures that were treated by a variety of techniques. The results of that study led to a second (prospective) study, in which 18 similar fractures were treated by early anterior discectomy, fusion, and plating. RESULTS: Nonoperative treatment was uniformly unsuccessful. Posterior stabilization and fusion procedures led to unsuccessful results in 45%, related either to late kyphosis because of disc collapse or the inability of midline stabilization procedures to control rotational instability. Anterior fusion resulted in solid union without residual deformity in all cases. All four patients in the prospective study with incomplete cord lesions showed improvement in cord function, as did seven patients who had radiculopathy. CONCLUSION: Although posterior bony injury is the usual radiographic finding, the anterior disc and anterior longitudinal ligament disruption are the more significant injuries and lead to late collapse and kyphotic deformity. Early anterior fusion is recommended in compression- extension Stage 1 cervical spine injuries.     

Management of post-traumatic cervical spine instability: operative fusion versus halo vest immobilization. Analysis of 49 cases

A 5-year retrospective analysis was conducted for all cervical spine fractures associated with neurologic deficit initially treated at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Forty-nine cases of lower cervical spine fracture (C3-C7) were reviewed. Twenty-eight patients underwent early operative fusion followed by immobilization with either halo vests, or hard cervical collars, and 20 patients were initially immobilized in halo vests only. One patient refused treatment and was kept in a hard cervical collar. The average period of immobilization was 3 months. Eight patients in the halo vest group demonstrated radiographic evidence of spinal instability following immobilization (40%). Five of these eight patients subsequently required operative stabilization. Two of these five suffered progression of neurologic deficit secondary to loss of reduction while immobilized. Spinal instability occurred in two of the 28 patients initially fused (7%) (p less than 0.01), and in the patient treated in a collar. The findings indicate: 1) the halo vest does not protect patients with cervical instability from neurological injury, nor does it absolutely immobilize the cervical spine; 2) surgery may be required to provide spinal stability, even after a 3-month orthotic treatment period; and 3) there appears to be an increased rate of spinal stability with fusion and immobilization versus immobilization alone.     

头环背心在颈椎外科的应用

作者观察了用头环背心治疗多种原因所致颈椎不稳定的应用效果。用头环背心治疗了１０７例颈椎不稳定的病人，病种包括结核、损伤、肿瘤和畸形。病人分为非手术治疗组和融合术组。融合术包括寰枢椎后路融合术、枕颈融合术和下颈椎融合术。各种融合术都在头环背心的固定下施行，不用任何内固定。测量了２３例病人用头环背心固定前后的肺功能。１０７例病人中有８９例获得了随访，平均随访时间２５个月，非手术组的病人在头环背心固定下均恢复了颈椎的稳定性。在３１例行寰枢椎后路融合术的病人中有２９例融合成功（９４％），３６例行枕颈融合术的病人中有３２例达到了骨性愈合（８９％）。用头环背心固定的平均时间是１３３天，最长的４５０天。统计学结果显示：用头环背心固定后病人肺活量的均数与固定前相比差异有非常显著性（Ｐ＜０．０１），固定后肺活量减少约１３％。并发症包括颅钉松动（２４例）、钉孔感染（４例）、复位丢失（４例）、颅钉穿透颅骨内板（３例）、背心下皮肤压疮（１例）。作者认为头环背心对颈椎失稳的病人是一种安全、有效的外固定器材。借助这种装置，部分需行颈椎融合术的病人可以免去内固定，使手术更安全、简便。头环背心可使病人的肺活量减少。     

Acute stabilization of the cervical spine by halo/vest application facilitates evaluation and treatment of multiple trauma patients.

The management of acute cervical spine injuries has traditionally used bed-based skeletal traction until all non-neurologic injuries have been evaluated. This treatment method substantially hinders the ability to transport patients and to perform imaging studies and surgical procedures. In contrast, early application of a halo/vest apparatus provides immediate cervical stabilization and facilitates the diagnostic work-up and treatment of the patients with multiple injuries. The records of all 78 patients admitted from February 1988 through June 1991 who had acute cervical spine fractures, subluxations, or both with a risk of instability were reviewed. All patients were treated with halo/vests and no patient deteriorated neurologically following halo/vest application. Twenty-nine patients (37%) had a total of 55 associated injuries including long bone/pelvic fractures in 17, thoracic injuries in 13, closed head injuries in 11, facial fractures in 6, noncontiguous spinal fractures in 5, and abdominal injuries in 3. The mean injury Severity Score (ISS) was 18 (range, 9-54). While in the halo/vest, 43 patients (55%) had a total of 99 diagnostic studies completed and 46 patients (59%) had a total of 76 surgical procedures performed. There were 35 neurosurgical procedures on 32 patients and 41 non-neurosurgical surgical procedures on 24 patients. Over the past year, 20 of 21 patients (95%) had their halo/vest placed in the emergency department. The data demonstrate that many diagnostic and surgical procedures need to be performed on patients with unstable cervical spine injuries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Atlantoaxial Screw Fixation for the Treatment of Isolated and Combined Unstable Jefferson Fractures – Experiences with 8 Patients

Summary.  The unstable atlas burst fracture (“Jefferson fracture”) is a fracture of the anterior and posterior atlantal arch with rupture of the transverse atlantal ligament and an incongruence of the atlanto-occipital and the atlanto-axial joint facets. The question whether it has to be treated surgically or nonsurgically is still discussed and remains controversial. During the last decade 8 patients with unstable atlas burst fractures were examined and treated in our department. Five of the eight patients were first treated conservatively by external immobilization. Because of continuing instability due to insufficient bony fusion of the atlantal fracture all five patients underwent atlanto-axial transarticular screw fixation and fusion – as described by Magerl – with good results. In all 8 patients a good bony fusion of the atlanto-axial segment was achieved. None of the patients exhibited neurological deficits after surgical treatment.  Although immobilization with a halo vest is recommended by most authors, from our view primary transarticular C1–C2 screw fixation has to be discussed as an alternative for unstable atlas burst fractures. Nonsurgical treatment with halo extension always bears the risk of insufficient healing with further instability and a fixated incongruence of the atlanto-occipital and the atlanto-axial joints, leading to arthrosis, immobility and increasing neck pain. After 10 weeks of insufficient immobilization secondary pre- and intra-operative reposition manoeuvres and surgical fixation hardly can reverse this fixated incongruence. Moreover, halo-extension needs an immobilization of the cervical spine for about 10 weeks and more, which is very uncomfortable and leads to further complications especially in elderly patients. Published online October 31, 2002 Correspondence: Dr. med. Christian Hein, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Deggendorf, Perlasbergerstr. 41, D-94469 Deggendorf, Germany.     

Posterior upper cervical fusion in rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to determine fusion rates in patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion for instability of the upper cervical spine secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. A retrospective review of clinical and radiographic data was conducted. Nineteen patients underwent posterior cervical fusions limited to the upper cervical spine. There were 11 C1-C2 fusions and 8 occiput-C2 fusions. Instability with pain or neurologic deficits were the main indications. A uniform technique was used in all cases. Preoperative reduction in halo vest or cast was followed by a Gallie type fusion using autogenous iliac bone graft and wire, and postoperative halo vest or cast immobilization for 3 months. A fusion rate of 94% was achieved. The average follow-up was 5 years. Complete or partial relief of pain was obtained in all patients; 30% of those with preoperative deficits improved after surgery. A high fusion rate may be achieved with C1-C2 and occiput-C2 fusions in rheumatoid arthritis, with relief of pain and prevention of neurologic deterioration.     

Mortality related to and functional outcomes of upper cervical spine fractures in the elderly

BackgroundAlthough the mortality related to hip fracture and osteoporotic vertebral fracture have been reported, few studies have examined the mortality related to atlas and/or axis fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the association between mortality and atlas and/or axis fractures retrospectively and to elucidate the efficacy of surgical treatment.MethodsA total of 33 elderly patients who were treated for atlas and/or axis fractures at our institution between January 2012 and December 2018 were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups: surgical treatment and conservative treatment. Fracture types, comorbidities, neurological status, treatment types, and walking ability at follow-up were reviewed. Mortality was assessed using medical records or via phone interviews.ResultsThe mean age at injury was 79.9 ± 8.0 years, and the mean follow-up period was 2.3 years. The overall mortality rates at 1 and 5 years were 21.4% and 48.4%, respectively. During the observation period, 12 (36%) patients died. Twenty-two patients were treated conservatively (14 were treated with a cervical collar, 8 were treated with a halo vest). Surgical procedures included occipital-cervical fixation, osteosynthesis of C2 fractures, C1–2 fixation, and C1–4 fixation using a posterior approach. Surgical treatment correlated with better survival rates. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of ambulatory ability and functional recovery.ConclusionUpper cervical spine fractures appear to have a worse prognosis compared to hip and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This study indicates the efficacy of surgical treatment for upper cervical spine fractures in the elderly for improving survival prognosis.     

Tuberculosis of the arch of the atlas. Case report

This rare case of tuberculosis of the arch of atlas illustrates the potential difficulties in making a clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis of the upper cervical spine. Plain roentgenograms may not demonstrate an early lesion of the neural arch, and CT is a valuable adjunct. The use of a halo vest proved a successful alternative to operation in conferring stability to the spine during healing.     

Fracture luxation of the cervical spine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: six cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Treatment of cervical spine fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is difficult. Biomechanical changes related to ossified ankylosing spondylitis spine make cervical spine fractures highly unstable. They cover the entire width of the spine inducing multidirectional instability and the risk of neurological injuries. Treatment is more difficult that in the nonossified spine. Different treatments have been proposed including anterior stabilization, posterior stabilization, or both. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively six cases of cervical fracture dislocation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. RESULTS: There were five cases of C6C7 fracture dislocation and one case of C4C5 fracture dislocation. Four patients had neurological impairment at diagnosis. All patients underwent surgery. Two had anterior stabilization: one patient died and the other achieved bone healing. Four patients had anterior and posterior stabilization combined with a cervical brace for three months, for two and a halo cast for two, others because of persistent instability, with neurological injury in one. A neurological improvement was obtained in four patients. One patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of selected patients with ankylosing spondylitis and cervical spine fractures is challenging. Combined anterior and posterior stabilization should be considered for these fractures. A cervical brace must be associated with surgical treatment. With appropriate management, outcome can be favorable.     

The treatment of multiple myeloma of the cervical spine with a halo vest

Two patients with multiple myeloma involving the cervical spine and causing instability were treated in a halo vest while radiotherapy and chemotherapy were instituted. Further instability and neurological loss were prevented while continuing this treatment. The bony lesions eventually healed and mechanical stability was restored in both patients. Temporary halo vest placement with concurrent chemo- and/or radiotherapy can be a reasonable and safe alternative to surgery in those patients with multiple myeloma involving the cervical spine, and often results in bone reconstitution and stability.     

Simultaneous noncontiguous cervical spine injuries in a pediatric patient: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Noncontiguous traumatic injuries of the cervical spine in children are rare. We present the case of a child who simultaneously sustained a separation of the odontoid synchondrosis and a C6-C7 dislocation with a complete spinal cord injury. The management of simultaneous cervical spine injuries is discussed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A boy aged 4 years and 2 months was a restrained back-seat passenger involved in a head-on motor vehicle accident. The patient lacked neurological function below C7. Imaging studies revealed a separation of the odontoid synchondrosis as well as a traumatic dislocation of the spine at C6-C7. INTERVENTION: The patient was placed in a halo vest shortly after admission. Four days after his injury, he underwent a posterior wiring and fusion of C6 to C7. As the C6-C7 dislocation was reduced by posterior element wiring, intraoperative x-rays showed a gradual increase in the subluxation of C1 on C2. This increase in C1-C2 subluxation required intraoperative repositioning of the halo crown on the ventral halo vest posts to maintain acceptable C1-C2 alignment. Postoperatively, ideal alignment of the odontoid peg on the body of C2 could not be achieved by halo adjustments alone. The patient required a custom-made posterior neck cushion attached to the halo vest to maintain cervical lordosis and good alignment of the odontoid peg on the body of C2. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous traumatic cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients are rare. The intraoperative reduction of one spine injury can affect the alignment at the location of the second injury. In this case, a custom adjustment of the halo vest improved the alignment of the odontoid peg on the body of C2.     

Verletzungen des okzipito-zervikalen Übergangs und des Atlas

The upper cervical spine, consisting of the occipito-cervical junction and the atlanto-axial complex, is a transitional area connecting the spinal column to the cranium. Vertebrae and joints in this area are different from those in the subaxial spine, being modified to allow unique degrees of motion. Following trauma restoration of the structural integrity is important. The treatment options for isolated fractures of the atlas depend on the specific type of atlas fracture. If the fracture is stable, or if the instability is due to bone disruption, it can be treated with external immobilisation. This can be achieved with temporary traction, a rigid cervical collar, a halo vest, or a Minerva jacket. If the instability is due to ligamentous disruption, surgical treatment is required so as to achieve bony fusion of the hypermobile and dislocated motion segments and to provide adequate protection for the spinal cord. Direct screw fixation of C1–2 (Magerl technique, 1979) can provide immediate stabilisation, thus optimizing bone grafting and fragment healing.