We evaluated the completeness of bony fusion of the atlantoaxial joint (AAJ) through polymethylmethacrylate fixation (PMF) and atlantoaxial plate fixation (APF) using six canine models with dens partial resection. In both groups, the hydroxyapatite content at the AAJ was measured up to 7 months postoperatively using quantitative computed tomography. Histological assessment revealed fibrous fusion in the PMF group. Meanwhile, in the APF group, only one dog achieved fibrous fusion, whereas the remaining three showed bony fusion. To our knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate AAJ fusion histologically after PMF and APF. The present study demonstrates that PMF and APF may stabilize the AAJ without clinical complications. Therefore, PMF and APF are clinically useful fixation methods for atlantoaxial instability.
Keywords: atlantoaxial instability; atlantoaxial plate fixation; bony fusion; fibrous fusion; polymethylmethacrylate fixation.