Clenching Reduction Technique for Osteosynthesis of Atypical C2 Fractures with the Combining Use of Laminar and Pedicle Screw: A Technical Note

Abstract

Atypical C2 fractures refer to all fracture types of the C2 body excluding odontoid fractures and traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2. A 55-year-old male patient presented with neck pain after a vehicular accident. Computed tomography (CT) showed an oblique fracture line of the C2 vertebral body through the pedicle and lamina with fracture gap and posterior displacement. We used a clenching reduction technique to treat this fracture by using an ipsilateral laminar screw and contralateral pedicle screw. The final follow-up CT scan showed complete bone union. Neck motion was preserved including rotation. For this unstable atypical C2 fracture, the clenching reduction technique proved to be a safe and effective technique while salvaging neck motion.