The Olerud Cervical Fixation System; a study of safety and efficacy.

To evaluate safety and efficacy of the Olerud Cervical Fixation System a one-year follow up study was done by an independent observer. There were 30 patients (14 women) with a mean age of 68 (37-85) years. Indications were rheumatoid arthritis in 10, spinal stenosis in 6, trauma in 6, metastases in 4, revisions in 3, and painful spondylotic deformity in one patient. Short fusions were performed in 8 patients and long fusions in 22. Four patients were fused to occiput. C1-C2 fusion was performed in 3 patients. Nineteen of the 20 still alive were evaluated at follow up. One patient was deliberately fused in hyperlordosis, in the rest the alignment was acceptable. Primary stabilization was achieved in all but one. 107 pedicle screws were used; one screw in Th2 was placed lateral to the pedicle. 42 subaxial transarticular screws were used. There were no complications related to these screws. One patient experienced a non-instrument related neurological deterioration. Two infections and one hematoma drainage healed on conservative treatment. Loss of fixation and non-union developed in 2 patients. Patients with metastasis or myelopathy due to rheumatoid arthritis carried a high mortality risk. The Olerud Cervical Spine Fixation System is versatile in posterior fixation of the cervical spine and has proven to be both safe and efficient.