Full-endoscopic assisted surgery using anterior double odontoid screw fixation in type II odontoid fractures: A clinical study of the surgical technique

Abstract

The most common complication of an odontoid fracture type II according to the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification is nonunion. The current standard is to offer surgical treatment. Anterior odontoid screws with minimally invasive surgery can achieve an effective outcome. Full endoscopic assisted spine surgery is an option that provides good visualization for determining the correct the screw entry point. This clinical case study describes the treatment of an acute displaced fracture a 79-year-old male suffered in a motor vehicle accident using the double odontoid screw technique with full endoscopic assisted surgery. The patient had severe neck pain with ASIA grade E. Radiographic study showed a type II fracture. The patient received urgent surgical intervention using the endoscopic assisted double anterior odontoid screw fixation technique. Intraoperatively the fracture was reduced and compressed without complication using double anterior odontoid screws. Post operative radiographic analysis showed the screws were in good position and the patient participated in a rehabilitation program. The patient's symptoms were completely resolved and union of the fracture was complete at the 1-year follow up. The anterior odontoid screw technique is a challenging minimally invasive surgical technique. Full endoscopic assisted surgery is an effective and desirable technique for use with an anterior double odontoid screw. This technique could be a new option for spine surgery involving an odontoid type II fracture.