Posterior atlantal lateral mass fixation technique with polyaxial screw and rod fixation system.

OBJECTIVE Atlantoaxial instability may result from various pathologic conditions and operative treatment may be required to correct the deformity, provide stability and prevent neurological deficits. We presented our clinic's experience using C1-C2 fusion with polyaxial screw and rod fixation for C1 and C2 instability for various reasons. METHODS AND MATERIAL Four patients with atlantoaxial instability were operated using polyaxial C1 lateral mass and C2 lateral mass or pedicle screws. The mean age of the patients was 44+/-14,07 years. RESULTS Satisfactory screw placement was achieved in all patients. There were no vertebral artery injuries, C2 nerve root injuries or spinal cord injuries. No per-operative or early postoperative instrumentation failure was observed. CONCLUSIONS C1 lateral mass/C2 pedicle polyaxial screw fixation is a safe technique and can be used to achieve rigid and immediate atlantoaxial stabilization.