{"id":"279e2a96-7d24-4fb8-8f13-b47235debed1","slug":"determination-of-ideal-patient-candidacy-for-anterior-odontoid-screw-fixation","title":"Determination of ideal patient candidacy for anterior odontoid screw fixation","authors":["Ahmed Ansari","Raman Mohan Sharma","Hanuman Prasad Prajapati","Mohd Tabish Khan","M. Fakhrul Huda"],"abstract":"Background: The article discusses the determination and optimization of ideal patient candidacy for anterior odontoid screw fixation (AOSF) in treating Type IIB odontoid fractures. The authors highlight the advantages of AOSF, including preservation of atlantoaxial motion and reduced operative complications. However, patient characteristics such as fracture morphology and neck anatomy can limit its applicability. Summary: The authors emphasize that fracture stabilization and healing are particularly challenging in elderly patients, while AOSF is more suitable for younger individuals due to its benefits in maintaining neck mobilization. They also note the importance of the fracture's position in determining candidacy for AOSF and suggest intraoperative techniques to facilitate screw placement. Conclusion: In cases where AOSF fails, the authors recommend considering solid posterior fixation as an alternative treatment option. The insights provided in this letter contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding optimal surgical strategies for odontoid fractures. Keywords: odontoid screw fixation, Type IIB fractures, patient candidacy, surgical techniques, fracture stabilization, elderly patients, anterior displacement","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/general-neurosurgery.png","publishDate":"2021-08-09T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_633_2021","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/279e2a96-7d24-4fb8-8f13-b47235debed1/pdf"}