Translaminar rigid screw fixation of the axis. Technical note.

Rigid fixation of the axis with C1-2 transarticular screws or C-2 pedicle screws results in high fusion rates but remains technically demanding because of the risk of injury to the vertebral artery (VA) and the limitations imposed by anatomical variability. Translaminar fixation of the axis with crossing bilateral screws provides rigid fixation and is technically simple, is not affected by variations in individual anatomy, and does not place the VA at risk. The long-term results in 20 patients treated with translaminar fixation for craniocervical, atlantoaxial, and axial-subaxial instability are presented, with 100% fusion rates and no neurological or vascular complications. Translaminar screws may be a good option for rigid fixation of the axis for surgeons not proficient in the more technically demanding methods of stabilization.