Surgical management of post-traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation due to C2 facet fracture: 5 clinical cases.

PURPOSE: Report the results of surgical treatment of post-traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) due to C2 articular facet fracture in adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of five patients treated since 2009 for AARF due to a C2 articular facet fracture were analyzed retrospectively. Three women and two men with an average age of 60 years (27-82) were included, one of whom initially had neurological deficits. In all cases, the surgical strategy consisted of posterior fixation: Harms-type in four cases and trans-articular with hooks in one case.

RESULTS: Dislocations due to fracture of the C2 articular facet are rare in adults; various treatment strategies have been described. In our experience, posterior screw fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. Fusion is not necessary in these cases because the dislocation is related to an asymmetric fracture without ligament damage.

CONCLUSION: Posterior fixation provides satisfactory reduction of these injuries and leads to satisfactory bone union. This surgical treatment can be performed early on after the trauma and is an interesting alternative to conservative treatment.