Posterior atalntoaxial fusion with c1 lateral mass screw and c2 pedicle screw supplemented with miniplate fixation for interlaminar fusion : a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of C1 lateral mass screw and C2 pedicle screw with polyaxial screw and rod system supplemented with miniplate for interlaminar fusion to treat various atlantoaxial instabilities.

METHODS: After posterior atlantoaxial fixation with lateral mass screw in the atlas and pedicle screw in the axis, we used 2 miniplates to fixate interlaminar iliac bone graft instead of sublaminar wiring. We performed this procedure in thirteen patients who had atlantoaxial instabilities and retrospectively evaluated the bone fusion rate and complications.

RESULTS: By using this method, we have achieved excellent bone fusion comparing with the result of other methods without any complications related to this procedure.

CONCLUSION: C1 lateral mass screw and C2 pedicle screw with polyaxial screw and rod system supplemented with miniplate for interlaminar fusion may be an efficient alternative method to treat various atlantoaxial instabilities.