Study design: Case report and review of relevant literature.
Objective: To discuss the surgical strategies and clinical outcome of managing huge tear drop fracture of axis.
Summary of background data: Teardrop fracture of axis is rarely seen, especially the huge type. The surgical technique is demanding because of the special anatomical structure and difficulty with bone grafting. Moreover, the surgical approach is controversial in the literature.
Methods: A 51-year-old male patient suffered from neck pain after falling from the bicycle, neck movement was limited with no neurological compromise. X-ray suggested huge tear-drop fracture of anterior-inferior corner of axis, narrowing of C2/3 intervertebral disc. Fusion with self-designed tricortical trapezoidal iliac bone was performed.
Results: Treating huge teardrop fracture of axis by anterior bone grafting with self-designed tricortical trapezoidal iliac bone is effective and stable. A 3-month follow-up showed fusion was achieved, upper cervical curvature was restored, and neck pain disappeared.
Conclusion: Self-designed tricortical trapezoidal iliac bone provided adequate fusion area of bone grafting, restoring the normal intervertebral height and cervical alignment, and the midterm outcome is satisfactory.
Level of evidence: 5.