Transoral Decompression and Stabilization of the Upper Cervical Segments of the Spine Using Custom-Made Implants in Various Pathologic Conditions of the Craniovertebral Junction.

Background: Surgical treatment of patients with atlantoaxial instability caused by pathologic changes of the skull base and craniovertebral junction combined with anterior compression of the brain stem is still associated with substantial technical difficulties and remains a matter of debate. Currently, anterior stabilization of the atlantoaxial junction is a promising approach that allows for the resection of the pathologic lesion of the skull base and craniovertebral junction with subsequent stabilization of C1-C2 or C1-C3 in 1 stage.

Methods: In this article, we present 5 clinical cases in which transoral decompression and anterior stabilization of the C1-C2 (4 cases) and C1-C3 (1 case of anteroposterior stabilization) segments with custom-made fixation systems was used to treat various pathologic conditions of the craniovertebral junction.

Transoral Decompression and Anterior Stabilization of Atlantoaxial Joint in Patients with Basilar Impression and Chiari Malformation Type I: A Technical Report of 2 Clinical Cases.

Objective: Presentation of clinical cases involving successful anterior stabilization of the C1-C2 segment in patients with invaginated C2 odontoid process and Chiari malformation type I.

Methods: Clinical case description.

Results: Two patients with C2 odontoid processes invagination and Chiari malformation type I were surgically treated using the transoral approach.