Anterior reduction and fusion for treatment of massive tear drop fracture of axis combining with inferior endplate serious traversed lesion: A retrospective study.

Abstract Background Tear drop fracture of axis represents a very small percentage of injuries of the cervical spine, but there is controversy about the treatment method for tear drop fracture of axis, especially when a large avulsed fragment is significant displacement, which combined with the inferior endplate serious traversed lesion of axis. Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of anterior reduction, graft fusion of C2-3 and plate fixation in the management of massive tear drop fracture of axis combining with inferior endplate serious traversed lesion of axis. Methods There were 7 patients with a massive tear drop fracture of axis combining with inferior endplate serious traversed lesion. The avulsed ratio of inferior endplate of axis was 46.8 ± 13.4%, the average angle of rotation of the avulsed fragment was 30.4 ± 11.7, and the average displacement was 7.7 ± 2.8 mm. The posterior displacement of axis body was observed with three patients. All patients underwent anterior reduction, graft fusion of C2-3 and plate fixation with high anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach. The follow-up ranges from 2 years to 5 years. Results In all cases, tear drop fracture was reduced completely, avulsed fragment got bony healing, and bone graft achieved bony fusion at C2-3. There were no local angle deformity and rotated deformity in all patients, and there were normal physiological lordosis and good stabilization of upper cervical spine. The neurological function of one patient with American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale type D was improved to type E postoperatively. Six patients without neurological lesion had no neurological syndrome after operation. Conclusions Anterior surgical procedures would be an effective treatment of massive tear drop fracture of axis combining with inferior endplate serious traversed lesion. Complete reduction, sufficient stabilization and normal physiological lordosis of upper cervical spine could be achieved postoperatively.