Application of C1-C3 Halifax Interlaminar Clamps in Addition to C1-C2 Cable Fixation

Jun, Byung Yoon

Abstract

C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation has been a preferred method for the fixation of atlantoaxial subluxation caused by the rheumatoid arthritis or recurrent subluxation caused by postoperative non-union. However, it has required extensive occipitocervical fusion or rigid external orthoses such as halo brace after cable fixation especially when the patient has the prominent transverse foramen precluding the safe placement of the C1-C2 transarticular screw. The author applied a pair of Halifax interlaminar clamps from C1 to C3 following the C1-C2 cable fixation in one patient with rheumatoid atlantoaxial subluxation and the other with recurrent subluxation after postoperative non-union. The prominent transverse foramen in both patients precluded the safe passage of the C1-C2 transarticular screw. Both patients were maintained in semirigid external orthoses by using philadelphia collar for 3 months after surgery. One has been doing well for 1 year and the other for 5 months following surgery. In conclusion, the application of the Halifax interlaminar clamps from C1 to C3 in addition to the C1-C2 cable fixation can be a useful alternative procedure circumventing extensive occipitocervical fusion for patients with the prominent transverse foramen precluding the safe placement of the C1-C2 transarticular screw, thereby not sacrificing the motion between occiput and atlas.