Intrafacet Spacer Placement as a Mobility-Sparing Bailout Option in Atlantoaxial Fusion Construct Salvage

TL;DR

This case report describes a novel surgical technique using intrafacet spacers to salvage a failed atlantoaxial fusion while preserving neck mobility.

Contribution

The study introduces bilateral intrafacet spacer placement as a mobility-preserving salvage option for complex atlantoaxial fusion revisions.

Findings

Bilateral intrafacet spacers successfully salvaged a failed atlantoaxial fusion construct without requiring occipital extension.

The patient experienced symptom resolution and successful arthrodesis confirmed on follow-up imaging.

The technique may preserve craniovertebral junction mobility during complex revision surgeries.

Abstract

Background: Salvage revisions of atlantoaxial (AA) joint complex posterior segmental instrumented fusion constructs require careful individualized planning to prevent occipital extension. In this case report, we describe the use of bilateral intrafacet spacer placement as a mobility-sparing bailout option for the revision surgery.

Case Report: A 64-year-old male with a history of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, extremely limited baseline cervical mobility, and prior AA posterior segmental instrumented fusion presented with increasing pain at his 6-month follow-up. Imaging showed fusion and hardware failures and dynamic instability. To prevent occipitocervical fixation, AA intra-articular fusion via a DTRAX spinal system (Providence Medical Technology, Inc) was used as an adjunct to a navigated C1 lateral mass and C2 pars screw posterior segmental instrumented fusion construct. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged with resolution of symptoms. Three-month postoperative follow-up confirmed persistent resolution of symptoms and absence of complaints, along with successful arthrodesis on imaging.

Conclusion: AA posterior segmental instrumented fusion revision is technically challenging, particularly when partial preservation of craniovertebral junction mobility is required. Bilateral intra-articular cages may be used as an adjunct to hardware revision in construct salvage when sturdy arthrodesis is desired without occipital extension and may represent a major potential strength of intra-articular cages.

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