Occipitocervical fixation using Ransford loop for neglected posttraumatic odontoid fracture with atlantoaxial dislocation: A technical note

BACKGROUND: To relieve the onset of new clinical symptoms, it is important to recognize and treat previously neglected odontoid fractures. However, many hospitals in developing countries do not have the equipment or surgical expertise to adequately manage these lesions. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 31-year-old male presented with paresthesias/quadriparesis attributed to an accident sustained 6 months earlier. The cervical magnetic resonance image revealed atlantoaxial subluxation type 2. Following a laminectomy and occipitocervical fusion with a Ransford loop, the patient’s symptoms significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Straight forward laminectomy and occipitocervical fusion with a Ransford loop may adequately treat selected cases of neglected atlantoaxial subluxation in a developing country.