New Technique for C1 Double-Door Laminoplasty Using Allograft Spacers and Titanium Miniplate Screw Fixation: Technical Report.

Although conventional C1 laminectomy is the gold standard for decompression at the atlas, it provides little space for the bone graft to fuse. The fusion area can be extended cranially up to the occipital bone, but it requires sacrificing the function of the craniocervical junction. To date, no reports have focused on surgical techniques for successful decompression and fusion without disruption of the posterior C1 arch while providing enough room for the bone graft to fuse. This study introduces a new technique for C1-C2 fusion and C1 double-door laminoplasty in patients with C1-C2 instability, canal stenosis, and cervical spondylotic myelopathy. A 66-year-old man who had undergone C1-C2 fusion at a local clinic 2 years earlier visited our hospital due to progressive myelopathy. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan showed the tip of the odontoid process, extending into the spinal canal. On the axial view of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images, the tip of the odontoid process significantly compressed the spinal cord on the left side. The atlantodental interval was 7 mm on radiography; however, C1-C2 instability was not evident on flexion-extension X-rays due to the previous screw fixation. The patient underwent C1-C2 decompression and fusion surgery with our new surgical technique. The segmental screws were repositioned at C1 and C2, and we performed C1 double-door laminoplasty augmented with an allograft spacer and a titanium miniplate. A marked reduction was seen at postoperative radiograph and CT scan. Neurologic symptoms were relieved dramatically after surgery without any discomfort. No complications were noted. We introduced a new surgical technique that allows bone grafting, decompression, and fusion to be performed without disruption of the posterior C1 arch in the event of C1-C2 canal stenosis combined with instability. This technique may be indicated for other conditions that cause instability and stenosis at the C1-C2 area.