Rigid occipitocervical fusion

Abstract

Although it is still evolving, the current technique for obtaining rigid occipitocervical fixation allows for immediate rigidity and stability of the spine without the use of an external orthosis (that is, in the absence of osteoporosis), may be extended to any level of the spine, may be used in the absence of posterior elements, prevents postsurgical cranial settling and restenosis, facilitates reduction of the spinal deformity in any plane, and sometimes eliminates the need for an anterior (transoral) decompressive procedure.