A multicenter randomized controlled trial is performed in Sweden (Uppsala, Malmo and Stockholm) comparing surgery with posterior C1-C2 fusion and conservative treatment with a rigid collar. Follow up will be performed up to one year after start of treatment registering EQ5D, NDI and cervical CT scans. Mortality will be documented during follow-up. All direct and indirect costs of treatment will be registered and used for cost-effectiveness analysis.
50 patients, based on the following calculation of study size: The standard deviation for Neck Disability index, NDI, is just under 7, while "minimally clinical important difference" (MCID) is 7 points . That gives that 16 patients are needed in each group to get 80% power with a significance level of 5%. However, in the studied population the one year mortality rate is substantial, especially after a neck injury . In order to be able to draw conclusions from the study the investigators have elected to expand the study to 25 subjects in each group. Follow up: 1w, 6w, 3m, 1y with CT, Questionaires: NDI, EQ5D. Bone density measurement at injury. Extension flexion x-ray after 1 year.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Posterior access and screws in C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) and fusion with addition of iliac crest bone graft. No postoperative collar.
External immobilization of cervical spine in a rigid collar for 12 weeks.
Uppsala University Hospital
Uppsala, Uppsala County, Sweden
Malmö University Hospital
Malmo, Sweden
Neck Disability Index (NDI questionnaire)
Time frame: 1 year
EQ5D questionnaire
Time frame: 1 year
Number of participants that deceased after inclusion
Time frame: 1 year
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