Double Anchoring Technique of Occipito-Cervical Fixation Using Innovative Occipital Plate: A Preliminary Study.

Abstract

Occipito-cervical fixation (OCF) provides immediate rigid fixation to cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ); however, in current practice, the optimal occipito-cervical fixation method is arguable. The aim of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of a newly designed inside-outside occipital (OC) plate system for the treatment of cranio-vertebral junction instability. Thirty-two patients of CVJ instability were treated using this new OC plate system. Safety and efficacy of this new OC plate was evaluated radiologically and clinically. Follow-up period ranged from 9 to 23 months. During the follow-up, no implant failure, recurrent subluxation, or newly developed instability at adjacent levels occurred, except in one patient in whom C2 screw pullout occurred due to trauma. All patients showed a satisfactory fusion at three months follow-up examination. These preliminary results suggest that this OC plate system is a simple, safe, and effective method for providing immediate internal rigid fixation of the CV junction. Long-term results are needed to determine the superiority of this OC plate over other methods of occipital fixation.