Modified anterior transarticular C1/2 fixation for odontoid fractures: An approach with high complication rate in geriatric population

BACKGROUND: In patients over 75 years of age, we applied a modified anterior transarticular C1/2 fixation with reduced pharyngeal mobilization versus the standard anterior triple/quadruple osteosynthesis procedures. METHODS: From 2010 to 2018, 29 patients underwent a modified anterior transarticular C1/2 fixation utilizing single odontoid screw fixation through a right-sided Smith-Robinson – (i.e., short and steep screw trajectory for the right and long trajectory for the left side) approach. All the patients were 75 years of age or older (mean age 82.6) and had sustained odontoid Type II fractures. In addition, a subset exhibited further ligamentous injuries and/or atlas fractures. Their Mean Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5.3 points (range 3–12), while mean American Society of Anesthesiologists scores averaged 2.9 (range 2–4). RESULTS: The mean operating time was 55.8 min, there were no intraoperative complications, and there was minimal blood loss in all cases. The most common medical complications included aspiration pneumonia (24.1%, n = 7), altered mental status (17.2%, n = 5), and cardiac decompensation (6.9%, n = 2). One patient with delayed dysphagia and an infected implant resulting in loosening/dislocation required implant removal and long-term antibiotic therapy. The 30-day mortality rate was 13.8% (four patients) and the 1-year mortality rate was 27.6% (eight patients). CONCLUSION: Anterior transarticular C1/2/odontoid fixation with reduced pharyngeal mobilization and shorter operative times was associated with high morbidity/mortality rates. Dysphagia/aspiration was the major postoperative complications leading to some deaths especially in patients with dementia/Parkinsonism.