Posterior temporary fixation of C1–C2 screw-rod system for unstable C1 burst fracture

Whether an unstable C1 burst fracture should be treated surgically or conservatively is controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and motion-preserving function of temporary fixation of C1–C2 screw-rod system for the reduction and fixation of unstable C1 burst fracture. We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients who were treated with posterior C1–C2 temporary fixation without fusion. We assessed age at surgery, gender, pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), atlanto-dens interval (ADI), lateral mass distance (LMD), and rotation function of C1–C2 complex. Six males and 4 females were included in our study. The average follow-up duration was 14.1 ± 1.37 months. The left-to-right ROMs of C1–C2 rotation was 9.6° ± 1.42°. The preoperative cervical VAS was 8.30 ± 0.48; the postoperative cervical VAS of C1–C2 fusion was 2.90 ± 0.57. The preoperative VAS for removal was 2.0 ± 0.00, and the postoperative VAS for removal was 2.3 ± 0.48. The preoperative cervical NDI was 81.40% ± 2.07%, the postoperative cervical NDI of C1–C2 fusion was 18.10% ± 1.52%. The preoperative NDI for removal was 15.9% ± 1.20%. The postoperative NDI for removal was 14.5% ± 1.08%. The preoperative ADI was 4.43 ± 0.34 mm, and postoperative ADI was 1.94 ± 0.72 mm. The preoperative LMD was 6.36 ± 0.58 mm, and postoperative LMD was 1.64 ± 0.31 mm. Posterior temporary C1–C2 fixation can achieve a good fusion and satisfied reduction of C1 fracture, relieve the pain, improve the cervical function outcome, but may reduce the rotational range of motion of C1–C2. Posterior C1–C2 temporary fixation without fusion was not suitable for C1 burst fracture. We recommend permanent C1–C2 fixation and fusion for C1 burst fracture if surgery is necessary.