Posterior occipitocervical fixation using C2 pedicle screws and occipitocervical plate systems.
- Author:
Chao WANG
1
;
Shao-Meng YIN
;
Ming YAN
;
Hai-Tao ZHOU
;
Geng-Ting DANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adolescent; Adult; Atlanto-Axial Joint; surgery; Bone Plates; Bone Screws; Cervical Vertebrae; surgery; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Joint Instability; surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Occipital Bone; surgery; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; methods; Spinal Fusion; instrumentation; methods; Treatment Outcome
- From: Chinese Journal of Surgery 2004;42(12):707-711
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of a occipitocervical fixation systems using C(2) pedicle screws and plates.
METHODSAn occipitocervical fixation system was designed. Since June 2001 to March 2003, 38 patients with instability of atlantoaxial joint underwent reconstructive surgery using this systems. Twenty-four patients were associated with congenital occipitalization. The pedicle screws were inserted into C(2) pedicles in the direction as its axis. The occipitocervical plate was slightly bent to fit the occipital contour and fixed onto the occiput. Hyperflexion alignment of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex was corrected by application of extensional force created by tightening of the nut on the pedicle screws. The autogenous cancellous bones were grafted between the occiput and the axis.
RESULTSIn this series, neither vertebral artery nor spinal cord was injured. 36 of 38 cases were followed up for an average of 18 months, all cases achieved solid bony fusion. No implant failure was found.
CONCLUSIONSOccipitocervical reconstruction by the combination of C(2) pedicle screws and occipitocervical plate systems can provide sufficient correction of malalignment in the occipitoatlantoaxial region and achieve high fusion rate.
