C1-C2 Motion During C-MAC D-Blade Videolaryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation in 2 Patients With Type II Odontoid Fractures: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2019 Aug 15;13(4):121-123. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001000.

Abstract

Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in patients with unstable cervical spines may cause pathological spinal motion and resultant cord injury. Cadaver and mathematical (finite element) models of a type II odontoid fracture predict C1-C2 motions during intubation to be of low magnitude, especially with the use of a low-force videolaryngoscope. Using continuous fluoroscopy, we recorded C1-C2 motion during C-MAC D videolaryngoscopy and intubation in 2 patients with type II odontoid fractures. In these 2 patients, C1-C2 extension and change in C1-C2 canal space were comparable to motions predicted by cadaver and finite element models and did not cause neurological injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Webcast

MeSH terms

  • Cadaver
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery*
  • Video-Assisted Surgery
  • Young Adult