Anterior transcervical release with posterior atlantoaxial fixation for neglected malunited type II odontoid fractures

BACKGROUND: Type 2 odontoid fractures are associated with a high rate of nonunion without surgical treatment. If neglected, they may become fixed in an abnormal position, causing progressive myelopathy. Conventionally, odontoidectomy or transoral release is performed to relieve symptoms in such cases. Here, were report our experience with a transcervical approach for odontoid release (i.e., of a chronically fractured dens) followed by a posterior C1–C2 fusion. METHODS: The 11 patients (2017–2021) retrospectively included; in this study, all had a history of remote trauma and the radiological appearance of an old odontoid fracture that was displaced and could not be reduced with traction. There were eight males and three females who averaged 52.6 years of age. RESULTS: All 11 patients underwent anterior retropharyngeal release with a C4–C5 level incision followed by a posterior C1–C2 fusion. The mean Japanese orthopedic association on presentation was 9.9 ± 2.7 which improved to 13.8 ± 2.7 on final follow-up (P < 0.01). Patients were followed an average of 9.6 months ± 4.4 (mean ± SD) postoperatively during which time they all clinically improved. CONCLUSION: Anterior release through a retropharyngeal approach coupled with posterior C1–C2 instrumentation proved to be an effective alternative to the traditional transoral approach to treat a chronic malunited odontoid fracture.