The Results of Interfacetal Fusion Using Local Bone Combined With an Atlantoaxial Instrumentation.

Background: Many studies have described different C1-2 fusion techniques that have evolved over time. We introduced an easy and effective C1-2 fusion technique using local bone chips combined with atlantoaxial instrumentation.

Objective: To identify the efficacy of interfacetal fusion using local bone combined with atlantoaxial instrumentation by assessment of clinical outcomes and fusion rate.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 25 patients who underwent atlantoaxial stabilization surgery using C1-2 pedicle screws and interfacetal bone fusion by a single surgeon between March 2012 and December 2019.

Results: The demographics were 15 men and 10 women with a mean age of 57.6 years (range, 27-85 years) at the time of surgery. Three patients underwent surgery for myelopathy due to os odontoideum, 9 for C1-2 instability, 9 for trauma, 3 for rheumatoid arthritis, and 1 for bony spur, C1-2. At 3 months postsurgery, 3 and 21 patients showed 2-point and 1-point improvements in the Nurick grade, respectively. There was no difference in the Nurick score in 1 patient. Seven patients had a computed tomography scan at 1 year after surgery, which revealed a bridging trabecular bone. No movement was observed in the x-ray flexion/extension view at 1 year after surgery in all patients. In addition, no patients complained of postoperative occipital neuralgia.

Conclusion: This study showed that interfacetal fusion with C1-2 pedicle screws using the free-hand technique was efficient and simple.