Robot-assisted atlantoaxial fixation: illustrative cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Placing screws in the high cervical spine can be challenging because of the vital anatomical structures located in that region. Precision and accuracy with screw placement is needed. The use of robotics in the cervical spine has been described before; however, here the authors describe the use of a new robotic setup. OBSERVATIONS: The authors describe 2 cases of robot-assisted placement of C2 pars screws and C1-2 transarticular screws. The operative plans for each patient were as follows: placement of C2 pars screws with C2-4 fusion for hangman's fracture and placement of C1-2 transarticular screws for degenerative disease. Intraoperative computed tomography (CT) was used to plan and navigate the screws. Postoperative CT showed excellent placement of hardware. Both patients presented for initial postoperative clinic visits with no recurrence of prior symptoms. LESSONS: Intraoperative robotic assistance with instrumentation of the high cervical spine, particularly C2 pars and C1-2 transarticular screws, may ensure proper screw placement and help avoid injury.