Axis instrumentation: surgical results.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate the surgical results of axis screw instrumentation. METHODS Retrospective evaluation of the clinical and radiological data of patients submitted to axis fixation using screws. RESULTS Seventeen patients were surgically treated. The mean age was 41.8 years (range: 12-73). Spinal cord trauma was the most common cause of instability (8 patients - 47%). Bilateral axis fixation was performed in all cases, except one, with laminar screw (total of 33 axis screws). Seven patients (41.1%) underwent bilateral pars screws; laminar screws were used in six cases and pedicular screws were used in two. In two cases, we performed a hybrid construction (laminar + pars and pedicle + pars). There was no neurological worsening or death, nor complications directly related to use axis screws. CONCLUSION Axis instrumentation was effective and safe, regardless of the technique used for stabilization. Based on our learnt experience, we proposed an algorithm to choose the best technique for axis screw fixation.