Screw placement in transoral atlantoaxial plating systems: an anatomical study (original) (raw)

Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2001

Abstract

Object. The placement of an anterior atlantoaxial plate after transoral odontoid resection has been described by Harms. Recently, the authors of biomechanical and clinical studies have shown that this procedure, especially in combination with posterior wiring, is a good alternative to established, isolated posterior atlantoaxial fixation techniques. Reports on the anatomy of the atlas and axis primarily focus on the posterior surgical approach. Scarce research regarding the quantitative anatomy of the anterior aspect of C-1 and C-2 has been reported. This study was undertaken to measure relevant dimensions of C-1 and C-2 and their relation to the anterior transoral approach. The aim of the study was to determine “safe zones” for screw placement in anterior atlantoaxial plate fixation. Method. Fifty human dry C-1 and C-2 vertebrae were obtained for direct anatomical, radiographic, and computerized tomography (CT) measurements. Thirty-two linear and four angular parameters were evalua...

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