Craniocervical fusion with contoured Luque rod and autogeneic bone graft.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of internal craniocervical fixation with a Luque rod and autogeneic bone graft for craniocervical instability.


METHODS
A case series.


METHODS
A university-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Six patients with craniocervical instability from diverse causes.


METHODS
Craniocervical fusion with a custom-formed Luque rod wired to the occiput and a variable number of vertebrae overlaid with autogeneic bone graft, followed by bracing with either a halo vest or a removable, stiff, plastic cervical orthosis.


METHODS
Craniocervical fusion and neurologic stability.


RESULTS
All patients maintained good craniocervical alignment. Radiologic bony fusion was achieved in five patients. Three patients remained neurologically stable and three had improved neurologic status.


CONCLUSIONS
Craniocervical fusion with the contoured Luque rod and autogeneic bone grafting, usually in combination with a temporary plastic cervical orthosis, is of value in managing craniocervical instability.
Ellis
P M
PM
Division of Neurosurgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.
Findlay
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001858:Bone Nails; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous