Atlantoaxial Anterior Transarticular Screw Fixation: Indications and Surgical Technique.

Abstract

Posterior atlantoaxial screw fixation is a widely adopted therapeutic option for C1-C2 instability secondary to fractures or dislocation, degenerative diseases, or tumors at this level. Anterior transarticular screw fixation (ATSF) is an effective alternative to the posterior approaches, presenting several advantages despite being scarcely known and rarely chosen.In this chapter, we describe the ATSF step by step, illustrating its variations reported in literature, and we critically analyze the several advantages and contraindications of this technique. Moreover, we provide a list of tips and tricks on the surgical procedure, including critical operating room settings-the result of more than 10 years of experience in the field by a senior author.ATSF is a valid strategy for the treatment of different diseases occurring at the level of the atlantoaxial complex that needs consideration. Given the significant learning curve of this strategy, some hints may be essential to begin introducing this technique in the personal armamentarium of a spine surgeon so that they can perform ATSF safely and effectively.