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European Spine Journal

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01-01-2015 | Original Article

Internal fixation with occipital hooks construct for occipito-cervical arthrodesis. Results in 14 young or small children

Authors: Thierry Odent, Rony Bou Ghosn, Jean-Paul Dusabe, Michel Zerah, Christophe Glorion

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Evaluation of effectiveness of internal rigid fixation for occipito-cervical fusion with occipital hooks and cervical screws and/or hooks to improve fusion in young or small children with various bone dysplasia or congenital abnormality.

Methods

Fourteen children with mean age of 8.4 years and height and weight below 140 cm and 35 kg, respectively, who underwent occipito-cervical fusion for miscellaneous pathologies reading to stenosis and/or instability were reviewed. The posterior instrumentation consisted of a precontoured titanium plate rod with an occipital fixation by hooks and a vertebral fixation by screws and/or hooks. Eight patients had cervical fixation with C2 pedicle screws. The mean follow-up was 48 months (27–81 months).

Results

Thirteen patients (92.8 %) had a complete fusion and no failure of the fixation was observed. We had two deep wound infections not related to implants.

Conclusion

Instrumentation was technically feasible even in a very young child. Rigid internal fixation in the little children did not increase surgical complications and significantly increased the union rate of occipito-cervical arthrodesis.

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Title: Internal fixation with occipital hooks construct for occipito-cervical arthrodesis. Results in 14 young or small children
Authors: Thierry Odent
Rony Bou Ghosn
Jean-Paul Dusabe
Michel Zerah
Christophe Glorion
Publication date: 01-01-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3436-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Internal fixation with occipital hooks construct for occipito-cervical arthrodesis. Results in 14 young or small children

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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