Turkish Neurosurgery 1995 , Vol 5 , Num 3-4
TRANSARTICULAR OCCIPITOCERVICAL SCREW FIXATION USING A POSTERIOR OCCIPITOCERVICAL HORSESHOE PLATE: CASE REPORT
A. Fahir ÖZER1, G. Evren KELEŞ2, Mehdi SASANİ3, Tunç ÖKTENOĞLU3, M. Necmettin PAMİR3
1Department of Neurosurgery. American Hospital, Istanbul – Türkiye
2Department of Neurosurgery. Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli – Türkiye
3Department of Neurosurgery. Marmara University Medical School, Istanbul - Türkiye
We report the use of a novel plate and screw system for posterior occipitocervical fixation in a case with neurological deficit due to basilar invagination. Using this technique, a more rigid fixation than sublaminar wiring can be achieved. In addition, upper cervical vertebrae which are laminectomized for decompression can be stabilized without the risk of cervical spinal canal narrowing due to sublaminar wiring. We discuss the importance of posterior occipitocervical stabilization and emphasize the advantages of using the plate and screw system. Keywords : Basilar invagination, cervical stabilization, Occipitocervical junction, Transarticular screw fixation.
Corresponding author : A. Fahir Özer