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Direct C1 posterior arch screws for reduction and osteosynthesis in the treatment of Jefferson fracture

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Abstract

The surgical treatment of Jefferson fractures generally involves solid fusion, which limits the range of motion of the upper cervical spine. Herein, we present a case of a Jefferson fracture that was surgically treated using direct C1 posterior arch screw reduction and osteosynthesis instead of fusion surgery. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) and plain radiography revealed that both C1 posterior arch screws were well positioned, and placing lag screws at the C1 level played a key role in fracture reduction. The present case highlights a surgical technique, which can preserve neck motion by using lag screws for reduction and osteosynthesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea

    Chang Kyu Park & Man Kyu Choi

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  1. Chang Kyu Park
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  2. Man Kyu Choi
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Contributions

MKC and CKP conceived the idea. MKC performed whole surgical procedure and pre- and postoperative radiologic exam. CKP wrote the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Man Kyu Choi.

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Park, C.K., Choi, M.K. Direct C1 posterior arch screws for reduction and osteosynthesis in the treatment of Jefferson fracture. Acta Neurochir 166, 31 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-024-05914-5

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