Transoral Fusion of Atlanto-axial Dislocation

Abstract

We have presented three cases with atlanto-axial dislocation due to os odontoideum, non-union of odontoid fracture and rheumatoid arthritis.
They all had developed cervical myelopathy. Treating these patients, we have, as the first choice, tried to reduce the dislocation appling halo-cast traction, however complete reduction was failed in two cases.
Anterior fusion of the atlanto-axial joints was performed in all of the three cases through transoral approach. One case had decompressive laminectomy prior to the anterior fusion. All three patients showed good recovery after the surgery.