Comparative meta-analysis of implant-associated complications and spinal fusion incidence in Goel-Harms technique and posterior С₁-С₂ transarticular screw fixation per F. Magerl

Abstract

Transarticular fixation (TAF) of C1–C2 using the F. Magerl method and the Goеl–Harms technique (GHT) are the two most popular ways of forming spondylodesis at the atlantoaxial level. Nevertheless, comparative studies with a high level of evidence have not been published at present.The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative meta‑analysis of the incidence of implant‑associated complications and fusion. The initial search in revealed more than 5,000 abstracts, after applying filters, 202 studies were selected, of which 16 works were included in this study. According to the results of the meta‑analysis, no significant differences were found between the methods of Goel–Harms and F. Magerl in the duration of surgery and intraoperative blood loss, as well as in the frequency of postoperative implant‑associated complications and spinal fusion of C1–C2 vertebrae.