Surgical treatment of irreducible atlanto-axial dislocation with spinal cord compression

Abstract

✓ The author reports the successful treatment of a case of irreducile atlantoaxial dislocation due to separation of the dens and secondary arthritic changes causing sagittal narrowing of the atlanto-axial spinal canal to 3 mm. Complete myelography obstruction was present. A one-stage posterior decompression of the foramen magnum and atlas was performed and occipito-cervical fixation accomplished by wire encased in acrylic plastic.