Isolated C1 arch fractures: C1-2 fusion vs. C1 osteosynthesis – surgical strategies for potentially unstable injuries

Narrative Review.

The premise of this review is to provide a review of the literature pertaining to studies describing outcomes of surgical cohorts when implementing C1 osteosynthesis for arch fractures with or without transverse atlantal ligamentous (TAL) injury.

A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across several search engines to identify studies which evaluate the outcomes of C1 osteosynthesis for patients with C1 arch fractures with and without TAL injury.

Ten studies were identified. Parameters reported included osteosynthesis fusion rates, deformity correction, preservation of motion segments, patient reported outcome measures and overall complications. Overall, C1 osteosynthesis showed excellent fusion rates with complications comparable to traditional techniques denoted in literature. Furthermore, the osteosynthesis technique depicted good overall deformity correction and preservation of motion segments, in addition to good patient reported outcomes.

It appears C1 osteosynthesis offers a safe and efficacious alternative option for the surgical treatment of C1 fractures with TAL rupture. It has the potential to reduce deformity, increase ROM, improve PROMs and has complication rates comparable with those of fusion techniques. However more robust prospective evidence is required.