Occipitocervical Fusion: An Updated Review. 2019

Nabeel S Ashafai, and Massimiliano Visocchi, and Norbert Wąsik
Alshafai Neurosurgical Academy (ANA), Toronto, ON, Canada. dr.nabeel.alshafai@gmail.com.

Occipitocervical fusion (OCF) is indicated for instability at the craniocervical junction (CCJ). Numerous surgical techniques, which evolved over 90 years, as well as unique anatomic and kinematic relationships of this region present a challenge to the neurosurgeon. The current standard involves internal rigid fixation by polyaxial screws in cervical spine, contoured rods and occipital plate. Such approach precludes the need of postoperative external stabilization, lesser number of involved spinal segments, and provides 95-100% fusion rates. New surgical techniques such as occipital condyle screw or transarticular occipito-condylar screws address limitations of occipital fixation such as variable lateral occipital bone thickness and dural sinus anatomy. As the C0-C1-C2 complex is the most mobile portion of the cervical spine (40% of flexion-extension, 60% of rotation and 10% of lateral bending) stabilization leads to substantial reduction of neck movements. Preoperative assessment of vertebral artery anatomical variations and feasibility of screw insertion as well as visualization with intraoperative fluoroscopy are necessary. Placement of structural and supplemental bone graft around the decorticated bony elements is an essential step of every OCF procedure as the ultimate goal of stabilization with implants is to provide immobilization until bony fusion can develop.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007593 Joint Instability Lack of stability of a joint or joint prosthesis. Hypermobility, Joint,Instability, Joint,Laxity, Joint,Hypermobilities, Joint,Instabilities, Joint,Joint Hypermobilities,Joint Hypermobility,Joint Instabilities,Joint Laxities,Joint Laxity,Laxities, Joint
D009777 Occipital Bone Part of the back and base of the CRANIUM that encloses the FORAMEN MAGNUM. Basilar Bone,Basilar Bones,Bone, Basilar,Bone, Occipital,Bones, Basilar,Bones, Occipital,Occipital Bones
D002574 Cervical Vertebrae The first seven VERTEBRAE of the SPINAL COLUMN, which correspond to the VERTEBRAE of the NECK. Cervical Spine,Cervical Spines,Spine, Cervical,Vertebrae, Cervical
D005593 Fracture Fixation, Internal The use of internal devices (metal plates, nails, rods, etc.) to hold the position of a fracture in proper alignment. Osteosynthesis, Fracture,Fixation, Internal Fracture,Fixations, Internal Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Internal,Fracture Osteosyntheses,Fracture Osteosynthesis,Internal Fracture Fixation,Internal Fracture Fixations,Osteosyntheses, Fracture
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013123 Spinal Fusion Operative immobilization or ankylosis of two or more vertebrae by fusion of the vertebral bodies with a short bone graft or often with diskectomy or laminectomy. (From Blauvelt & Nelson, A Manual of Orthopaedic Terminology, 5th ed, p236; Dorland, 28th ed) Spondylodesis,Spondylosyndesis,Fusion, Spinal,Fusions, Spinal,Spinal Fusions,Spondylodeses,Spondylosyndeses
D016025 Bone Transplantation The grafting of bone from a donor site to a recipient site. Grafting, Bone,Transplantation, Bone,Bone Grafting

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