Instrumented reduction of a fixed C1–2 subluxation using occipital and C2/C3 fixation: A case report

BACKGROUND: Different strategies exist for reduction of the cervical spine. Placement of C1 lateral mass screws is a powerful technique but may be impossible in a degenerative or revision setting. We report the open, posterior-only, and instrumented reduction of a fixed C1–2 subluxation using occipital and C2/C3 fixation. The patient had rheumatoid arthritis and had undergone previous surgery of the cervical spine. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review and focused appraisal of the literature. RESULTS: Satisfactory reduction was achieved with this infrequently reported technique. CONCLUSIONS/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Spine surgeons may consider the described procedure a viable treatment alternative in problematic subluxations of the cervical spine. Level V.