Complications of fixation to the occiput - Anatomical and design implications

S. C. Lee, J. F. Chen, S. T. Lee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Internal fixation provides an increased immediate stability for the craniovertebral junction; however, there is no current consensus on the optimal method of occipitocervical (OC) fusion. In this report, we present 25 cases of craniovertebral instability treated with OC fusion by plates and screws instrumentation. The 25 cases comprised 12 men and 13 women, whose ages ranged 20 to 78 years. The principal aetiologies that lead to the OC instability of the patients in this series included trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, neoplasm and congenital abnormality. The fusion levels ranged from occiput-C3 to occiput-C6. Two mortalities occurred. The other patients showed satisfactory union after a follow-up of eight to 24 months. OC fusion using a plates and screws system is a safe and highly effective method for providing immediate internal stability to the OC junction. The internal occipital anatomy, which cannot be seen at surgery, is important when dealing with this taxing and potentially dangerous aspect of surgery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)590-598
Number of pages9
JournalBritish Journal of Neurosurgery
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 2004

Keywords

  • Cervical spine
  • Occipital bone
  • Occipitocervical fusion
  • Occiput
  • Posterior spinal instrumentation

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