La maladie de Grisel treated by combined C1-2 transarticular and C1 lateral mass screw fixation

Abstract

The authors describe a novel posterior approach to atlantoaxial stabilization combining C1-2 transarticular and C1 lateral mass screws with vertical connecting rods to create a strong construct with four-point fixation. They present here a case of atlanto-axial instability secondary to infection, Grisel's syndrome, necessitating instrumented stabilization after a period of close clinical and radiological observation following the initial cervical decompression and evacuation of retropharyngeal and epidural abscesses.

Key words:

• Atlantoaxial fixation
• C1 lateral mass screws
• C1-2 transarticular screws
• Posterior instrumentation
• Cervical fusion
• Infection
• Grisel's syndrome

Acknowledgments and Contributions

The authors completed this study without external sources of funding and have no conflicts of interest. EACP and JH wrote the manuscript, PP advised on radiology and helped EACP to construct Fig. 3. AA and TCH edited it. TCH is its guarantor.