Surgical Outcomes and Complications after Occipito-Cervical Fusion Using the Screw-Rod System in Craniocervical Instability
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
;
: 223-227, 2013.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-71550
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Although there is no consensus on the ideal treatment of the craniocervical instability, biomechanical stabilization and bone fusion can be induced through occipito-cervical fusion (OCF). The authors conducted this study to evaluate efficacy of OCF, as well as to explore methods in reducing complications.METHODS:
A total of 16 cases with craniocervical instability underwent OCF since the year 2002. The mean age of the patients was 51.5 years with a mean follow-up period of 34.9 months. The subjects were compared using lateral X-ray taken before the operation, after the operation, and during last follow-up. The Nurick score was used to assess neurological function pre and postoperatively.RESULTS:
All patients showed improvements in myelopathic symptoms after the operation. The mean preoperative Nurick score was 3.1. At the end of follow-up after surgery, the mean Nurick score was 2.0. After surgery, most patients' posterior occipito-cervical angle entered the normal range as the pre operation angle decresed from 121 to 114 degree. There were three cases with complications, such as, vertebral artery injury, occipital screw failure and wound infection. In two cases with cerebral palsy, occipital screw failures occurred. But, reoperation was performed in one case.CONCLUSION:
OCF is an effective method in treating craniocervical instability. However, the complication rate can be quite high when performing OCF in patients with cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis. Much precaution should be taken when performing this procedure on high risk patients.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Postoperative Complications
/
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
/
Reference Values
/
Reoperation
/
Atlanto-Occipital Joint
/
Vertebral Artery
/
Wound Infection
/
Cerebral Palsy
/
Follow-Up Studies
/
Consensus
Type of study:
Practice guideline
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
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