Anterior Fixation of Atlantoaxial Joints: Technique and Pitfalls

Both the atlantoaxial joints can be exposed adequately by an unilateral extrapharyngeal approach from the right side. The atlantoaxial dislocation can be reduced, joints can be decorticated and bone graft can be introduced into the joint. The odontoid process can be drilled and removed. The C1-C2 joint can be fixed either by (1) C1 lateral mass and C2 body screw plate bilaterally, or (2) bilateral anterior C2-C1 transarticular screws.