title: A unique approach to fixed occipito-cervico-thoracic deformity.
abstract: We discuss a unique approach to a patient who presented with severe kyphosis and laterolisthesis of the cranio-cervico-thoracic spine, following a history of neck trauma 24months prior to presentation. The patient had organized voluntary euthanasia if no treatment could be performed. Our approach included a three-part procedure over a 3-week time interval, including: initial traction, division of anterior neck muscles, multilevel anterior fusion and, finally, posterior occipito-cervico-thoracic fusion. Follow-up at 6months revealed a patient in neutral sagittal and coronal balance of the neck.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker St, Randwick New South Wales 2031, Australia. grace.aw@gmail.com
authors: G E
authors: GE
authors: Aw
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Mobbs
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014143:Traction; D016896:Treatment Outcome