One-stage transoral decompression and posterior fixation in rheumatoid atlanto-axial subluxation

An operation which combined anterior transoral decompression with posterior occipitocervical fixation was used in 68 rheumatoid patients with irreducible anterior neuraxial compression at the craniocervical junction. Fibre-optic laryngoscopy with nasotracheal intubation was less hazardous than tracheostomy. The patients underwent surgery in the lateral position to allow access both to the mouth and to the back of the neck without moving the head. Specially designed instruments allowed visualisation from the front without dividing the soft palate. Posterior stabilisation was achieved by a preformed contoured loop fixed to the occiput, the atlas and the axis by sublaminar wires. The procedure allowed immediate mobilisation and had a very low morbidity in such ill patients.