Performing Posterior Occipitocervical Fusion in a Patient with Irreducible Atlantoaxial Dislocation

Atlanto-axial dislocation and os odontoideum, which can be caused by trauma and congenital disorders, are potentially fatal. The dislocation may lead the compression of the spinal cord in the cranio-cervical junction, and it is challenging to manage surgically. In this operative video, the authors present a case of a 49-year-old male with irreducible atlanto-axial dislocation and os odontoideum. MRI demonstrated the compression of the cervical spinal cord and the marked cervical spinal stenosis in the cranio-cervical junction. The patient underwent a posterior atlanto-axial reduction and occipitocervical fusion. Postoperatively, the cervical spinal cord was decompressed, and the patient improved neurologically.

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
15 February 2022