Atlantoaxial Stabilization Using C1 and C2 Laminar Screw Fixation

Abstract

We describe the use of a C1 laminar screw in combination with a C2 laminar screw as a salvage technique to treat two patients, one with persistent first intersegmental artery and the other with vertebral artery occlusion after cervical spine fracture. The combined use of C1 and C2 laminar screws allows for good fixation of the atlantoaxial joint with a lower risk of vertebral artery injury; therefore, it can be an alternative surgical procedure for patients with congenital or traumatic anomalous vertebral artery.

Keywords

• Persistent first intersegmental artery
• Vertebral artery occlusion
• Vertebral artery injury
• C1 laminar screw