[Roles of computed tomography in the diagnosis and treatment of complex atlas pillow deformity].

Objective: To explore the roles of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of complex atlas pillow deformity.

Methods: From January 2010 to February 2012, the preoperative and postoperative CT imaging findings were collected from 32 cases of complicated atlas pillow deformity undergoing surgical treatment at Henan Provincial People's Hospital. There were 18 males and 14 females with a mean age of 36.8 years (range: 23 - 65). The average duration of disease was 4.5 years (range: 0.25 - 10).

Results: In 32 cases, a definite diagnosis was established preoperatively by coronary sagittal CT scans and 3-dimensional reconstruction. And CT re-examinations were performed to review the postoperative curative efficacies.

Conclusion: CT imaging examination is of vital importance in the diagnosis, personalized surgical procedures and prognostic evaluation of complex craniocervical junction deformity.