Most hangman's fractures are treated conservatively. If surgery is indicated, an anterior approach using a C2/C3 graft and plate fusion is usually preferred. Another surgical method according to Judet is direct transpedicular osteosynthesis by the dorsal approach. This surgery is frequently rejected because of the high risk of spinal cord damage or vertebral artery tear. Direct transpedicular osteosynthesis of hangman's fracture according to Judet is a "physiological operation" that does not cause fusion and creates anatomical conditions. This procedure enables appropriate reduction, compression of fragments and immediate stabilization of the C2 segment. A new aspect of Judet's method of internal fixation of a hangman's fracture is now proposed. Computed tomographic (CT) guidance is used to ensure safe and exact introduction of two screws from the posterior approach. This method of CT-guided internal fixation of hangman's fracture allows, preoperatively, for an accurate assessment of the pattern and course of fracture line, selection of the anatomically safest screw path and determination of an appropriate screw length. The procedure also allows for accurate intraoperative control of instrument and implant placement, screw tightening, fracture reduction and anchoring of the screw tip in the contralateral cortex, using repeated CT scans. The procedure is performed in a CT unit under sterile conditions. This method was used in the treatment of eight male and two female patients aged 21-71 years. All treated patients were without neurological deficit. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 57 months (mean 33.3 months). No intraoperative or early or late postoperative complications were apparent. This new aspect of the surgical procedure ensures highly accurate screw placement and minimal risks, and fully achieves the "physiological" internal fixation.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDYTo evaluate surgical management of the fracture of the ring of axis (FRA), known as "hangman's fracture", and to discuss adequacy of this treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODSBetween 1994 and 2004, 41 patients with FRA were surgically treated in our hospital. We present a retrospective study of 30 cases treated by anterior cervical fixation and fusion and 11 cases treated by a posterior, CT-guided approach (published recently).Our diagnostic algorithm for evaluation of FRA included plain radiographs for basic diagnosis, detailed CT scan, MRI and finally passive lateral flexion-extension fluoroscopy (performed by physician) to assess stability. We also consider discography in selected cases, allowing further evaluation of discoligamentous injury. Fractures were classified according to Levine. Posterior compressive osteosynthesis according to Judet was performed in 11 patients with Levine type I fractures with fracture fragment distraction >3 mm. Anterior graft and plate fixation was chosen in 30 patients with type II (25 patients) and type I (5 patients) fractures where C2/3 disc injury was confirmed by MRI or discography. There was no case of facet dislocation in our series (type III).Pain, motion restriction and overall satisfaction with neck status were assessed on a scale 1-5 (1 = best) in patients treated with anterior approach. Self-evaluation questionnaires were administered during follow-up (average, 7.3 years; 24 months to 11 years). RESULTSAnatomically reduced fracture fusion was achieved in all cases (100%) at one year follow-up. Both autologous tricortical ( 22) and fibular allografts (8) were used for anterior approach. No perioperative complications occurred and no case was aborted. Average hospital stay in patients with standalone FRA was 6.8 days (3-15). Patients wore Philadelphia collar for 4-6 weeks. One patient died during follow up due to unrelated causes.None of the 29 patients treated with the anterior approach reported severe or very severe pain (grades 4 or 5). The average pain score was 1.28. Three patients with isolated FRAs reported slight subjective restriction of movement (grade 2). The "satisfaction with overall neck status" scale showed an average score of 1.62, never worse than grade 2. DISCUSSIONDespite increasing popularity of anterior surgical approach in the treatment of type II FRA, most authors still recommend conservative treatment. Surgical treatment is consensually recommended in type III fractures only. Type I is treated exclusively conservatively. There is currently no evidence-based data supporting any method of treatment of so called "hangman's fracture". The majority of treating surgeons do not consider the status of the intervertebral disc. Dynamic films, simulating the peak point of injury, are usually not performed. Hence, potentially unstable fractures are overlooked. This also explains the lack of long term follow-up data regarding the radiological status of C2/3 intervertebral disc as well as patients' subjective complaints. CONCLUSIONSSurgery provi...

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PURPOSE OF THE STUDYTo evaluate and compare proximal humeral fractures treated either by plate osteosynthesis with angular-stable screws or by intramedullary nailing, and to define the indications optimal for use of either technique. MATERIALThe study comprised 97 patients. The proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate was used in 49 patients (31 women and 18 men); with age average 57.4 years (women, 64.5 and men, 45.3 years). By the AO classification, 12 patients with type A, 15 with type B, and 22 with type C fractures. The Targon PH nail was used in 48 patients (32 women and 16 men) at an average age of 65.3 years (women, 72.2 and men, 51.4 years). Type A fractures were in 18, type B in 18 and type C in 12 patients. METHODSThe patients were prospectively evaluated and placed into the two groups.The post-operative range of motion was assessed by tthe Constant-Murley (CM) score at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6 and 12 months. The CM value was related to the healthy collateral limb and recorded as a relative CM score. RESULTSIn the PHILOS group, the average values were: operative time, 76.2 min; X-ray exposure, 4.2 min; and relative CM score, 74.5 points. The Targon PH group showed the average operative time of 50.2 min., X-ray exposure for 4 min. and the relative CM score 78.3 points. There were no signifficant differences between the groups, with the exception of shorter operative time in intramedullary nailing. DISCUSSIONNailing is the method of choice for two-fragment fractrues. In comminutive metaphyseal fractures particularly, the use of nailing is more effective than plate osteosynthesis that carries the risk of plate detachment from the diaphysis. In fractures with a long fracture line extending into the metaphysis, plate osteosynthesis with open reduction is a better option.The results in three-fragment fractures are comparable and the choice of an implant is the matter of surgeon's preference. The standard technique for four-fragment fractures involves the use of angular-stable plate fixation through the deltoid-pectoral approach. Intramedullary nailing is a borderline indication requiring a modified surgical procedure, with tubercles being fixed with osteosuture. CONCLUSIONSNo statistically significant differences in functional results occurred between the observed groups at one year of followup. In four-fragment proximal humerus fractures, the patients treated with Targon PH nails had more complications and worse relative CM scores than those treated with PHILOS plates; however, this was not statistically significant and the number of complications decreased after the technique of tubercle osteosuture had been introduced. Finally, the only significant difference between the groups was a shorter operative time with the use of intramedullary nailing.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDYRadiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive method indicated in the treatment of bone tumors. Its effectiveness and safety have been reported in a number of studies concerned with the therapy of osteoid osteoma of extremities. However, only scarce information is available on effectiveness of ablation in osteoid osteoma of the spine. The aim of the study was to verify the efficacy of percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation on this indication. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis prospective study included four patients, three women and one man, with osteoid osteoma of the lumbar or sacral spine who were treated by percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation in the period from February 2002 to March 2005. Two tumors were found in the third lumbar vertebra, one in the fourth lumbar and one in the first sacral verstebra. The pre-operative pain values assessed on the visual analogue scale (VAS), and function restriction rated by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared with the post-operative values at 2 years after surgery. Patients' satisfaction with surgical outcome was evaluated according to Odom's criteria. RESULTSAll four procedures were accomplished successfully in technical terms and the patients completed the two-year followup. All patients reported significant relief of pain immediately after surgery and this held even after 2 years. The average pre-operative VAS value of 8.3 was reduced to 2.45 at the final examination, and the pre-operative ODI of 70/100 improved to 95/100 post-operatively. The outcome of treatment rated by Odom's criteria was regarded as excellent. CONCLUSIONSPercutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation is an effective and safe method for treatment of spinal osteoid osteoma. It has advantages that could make it preferable to surgical excision of tumors.