A NEW MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHOD FOR FIXATION OF UNSTABLE ODONTOID FRACTURES: INITIAL CLINICAL RESULTS AND TECHNICAL FEATURES.

Аннотация

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive percutaneous anterior single-screw fixation of the odontoid process in unstable C2 fractures. Data from 18 patients (14 men, 4 women) treated from September 2023 to April 2025 were analyzed. The procedure was performed under fluoroscopic guidance using a specialized 14-cm stainless steel needle (outer diameter 3.0 mm, inner channel 2.0 mm) as a sleeve for inserting a guide wire with a fine-threaded tip and a 6-mm dilator (access 3–4 mm). All procedures were completed successfully without complications. At 6 months follow-up, 16 patients (88.9%) achieved complete fracture union. Pain and neck mobility limitations were minimal. The method provides reliable stabilization, preserves atlantoaxial mobility, and enables accelerated rehabilitation.