• Hai-Tao Liu, Zhi-Hui Liang, Jia Song, Hui-Wen Zhang, Fu-Chao Zhou, Qiu-Qi Zhang, Jiang Shao, and Yue-Hui Zhang.
• Spine Center, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
• World Neurosurg. 2023 Jul 1; 175: e574e581e574-e581.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of posterior atlantoaxial fusion (AAF) with C1-2 pedicle screw fixation for atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) in pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA).MethodsThis study included 21 pediatric patients with MPS IVA who underwent posterior AAF with C1-2 pedicle screw fixation. Anatomical parameters of the C1 and C2 pedicle were measured on preoperative computed tomography (CT). The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale was used to evaluate the neurological status. The fusion and accuracy of pedicle screw was assessed on postoperative CT. Demographic, radiation dose, bone density, surgical, and clinical data were recorded.ResultsPatients reviewed included 21 patients younger than 16 years with an average age of 7.4 ± 4.2 years and an average of 20.9 ± 7.7 months follow-up. Fixation of 83 C1 and C2 pedicle screws was performed successfully and 96.3% of them were identified as being safe. One patient developed postoperative transient disturbance of consciousness and one developed fetal airway obstruction and died about 1 month after the surgery. Out of the remaining20 patients, fusion was achieved, symptoms were improved, and no other serious surgical complications were observed at the latest follow-up.ConclusionsPosterior AAF with C1-2 pedicle screw fixation is effective and safe for AAD in pediatric patients with MPS IVA. However, the procedure is technically demanding and should be performed by experienced surgeons with strict multidisciplinary consultations.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

26 keywords...

hide…