Clinical experience with rigid occipitocervical fusion in the management of traumatic upper cervical spinal instability

Sai Cheung Lee, Jyi Feng Chen, Shih Tseng Lee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Traumatic injuries of the craniovertebral junction or the upper cervical spine may result in occipitocervical (OC) or upper cervical spinal instability. Internal fixation can provide immediate stability to this region. Over a 6-year period, 16 patients with traumatic upper cervical spinal instability underwent a posterior approach OC fusion, using a plate and screw system, at the neurosurgical department of our institution. One patient died. The postoperative course of all the other patients was uncomplicated. At the most recent follow-up examination, all patients had satisfactory fusion. OC fusion with a plate and screw system is a safe and effective method for the treatment of traumatic craniovertebral and high cervical spine instability. Accurate imaging diagnosis and strict patient selection are the keys to a successful outcome.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)193-198
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Clinical Neuroscience
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 02 2006

Keywords

  • Occipitocervical fusion
  • Posterior spinal instrumentation
  • Spinal trauma

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