title: Clinical experience with rigid occipitocervical fusion in the management of traumatic upper cervical spinal instability.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5, Fu-Shing Street, 333, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Sai-Cheung
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jyi-Feng
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shih-Tseng
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D014143:Traction; D016896:Treatment Outcome