Transoral decompression and posterior fusion for rheumatoid atlanto-axial subluxation
- 1 May 1986
- journal article
- Published by British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume
- Vol. 68-B (3) , 350-356
- https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x.68b3.3733795
Abstract
Cervical myelopathy is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of rheumatoid atlanto-axial subluxation. Computerised myelotomography with three-dimensional reconstruction shows that rheumatoid pannus, together with the odontoid peg, contributes significantly to anterior cervico-medullary compression. These findings were the basis for treatment by transoral anterior decompression and posterior occipitocervical fusion, which removes both bony and soft-tissue causes of compression and allows early mobilisation without major external fixation. We report encouraging results from this combined approach in 14 patients who had progressive neurological deterioration.Keywords
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