Minimally invasive modification of the Goel-Harms atlantoaxial fusion technique: a case series and illustrative guide

• Published in: Neurosurgical focus Vol. 54; no. 3; p. E14
• Main Authors: Gelinne, Aaron, Piazza, Martin, Bhowmick, Deb A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-2023
• Subjects: Aged; Humans; Pain; Pilot Projects; Spinal Diseases; odontoid fracture; surgical technique; cervical fusion; atlantoaxial fusion; minimally invasive surgery
• ISSN: 1092-0684; 1092-0684
• DOI: 10.3171/2022.12.FOCUS22635

The Goel-Harms atlantoaxial screw fixation technique for the treatment of atlantoaxial instability and unstable odontoid fractures is reliable and reproducible for a variety of anatomies. The drawbacks of the technique are the potential for significant bleeding from the C2 nerve root venous plexus and the risks associated with posterior midline exposure and retraction, such as pain and wound complications. The authors developed a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) modification of the Goel-Harms technique using intra-articular grafting to facilitate placement of percutaneous lateral mass and pars screws with extended tabs for minimally invasive subfascial rod placement. The objective of this study was to present the authors' first series of 5 patients undergoing minimally invasive modification in comparison with 51 patients undergoing open atlantoaxial fusion.
A retrospectiveanalysis of patient comorbid conditions, blood loss, length of surgery, and length of stay was performed on patients undergoing Goel-Harms instrumented fusion (GHIF) for unstable odontoid fractures performed between 2016 and 2021.
Patients undergoing the minimally invasive procedure showed significantly less blood loss than those undergoing the open atlantoaxial fusion procedure, with a median blood loss of 30 ml compared with 150 ml using the open technique (p < 0.01). The patients showed no significant differences in length of stay (2 days for MIS vs 4 days for open atlantoaxial fusion, p = 0.25). There were no significant differences in length of surgery for MIS, but a possible trend toward increased operative duration (234 vs 151 minutes, p = 0.112).
In this small pilot study, it was shown that MIS-GHIF can be performed with decreased blood loss in atlantoaxial instability and odontoid fractures. This technique may allow for greater and safer application of the procedure in the elderly and infirm.