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

摘要

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.