title: [Fixating techniques of craniocervical junction: selection criteria].
abstract: Adequate choice of fixation technique at craniocervical junction depends on many factors: anatomical conditions at fusion site (e.g. anterior dislocations of the odontoid and rupture of the transverse ligament are contraindications for direct odontoid screw fixation. Sublaminar wiring and interlaminar clamps are useless in case of deficiency of posterior bony elements of C1 and C2 whether a result of laminectomy or destruction), bone quality (osteopenic bone is contraindication for screw techniques either transarticular or transpedicular). Enclosing of occipital bone into instrumentation may be difficult in wire and clamping techniques. In contrast screw techniques allow for easy grip the occipital bone. Screw techniques seem ideal in cases requiring enclosing of the occipital bone. The fusion rate at C1/C2 level seems independent of fixation techniques. When supplemented with external immobilization even biomechanically inferior wiring or interlaminar clamping provide nearly 100 rate of fusion. Screw techniques are technically demanding but they seem the method of choice when occipital bone is to be enclosed in instrumentation.
authors.affiliation: Kliniki Neurochirurgii WAM w Lodzi.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maciejczak
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Radek
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zapałowicz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jóźwiak
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Skiba
mesh_terms: D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000601:surgery; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000601:surgery; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System / Q000601:surgery*