Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Posterior C2-3 pedicle screws fixation have been used in internal fixation of Hangman’s fracture. C2-3 anterior fusion and plate fixation has been used recently.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of anterior versus posterior C2-3 pedicle screws on Hangman’s fracture.
METHODS: Twenty-six patients with Hangman’s fracture were randomized into two groups, treated with anterior decompression bone fusion plus titanium plate implantation or posterior C2 pedicle screw plus C3 lateral mass screw-rod implantation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The operation time, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage were shorter or less in anterior cervical operation as compared with in posterior cervical operation (P < 0.05). There were no differences in intraoperative and postoperative complications between the two groups. The results demonstrated that C2-3 anterior fusion and plate fixation is a better method to treat Hangman’s fracture, maintaining excellent reduction and achieving stability, compared with C2-3 posterior pedicle screws fixation.