Fixation system for cervical spinal operation: application of the head fixation system and multipurpose cervical frame.

We have designed a multipurpose cervical frame to use with our operative head fixation system and have used it in 60 cervical spinal operations including anterior, posterior, lateral, and transoral approaches, with satisfactory results. We emphasize the following advantages of this system: (a) Both stability and an exact position of the cervical spine can be maintained during operation. (b) Positioning of patients for operation, including those with a halo vest, is efficiently carried out with safety and ease. (c) Our newly designed cervical frame enables exact and refined intraoperative retraction with various kinds of retractors. (d) When microsurgery is performed, the surgeon can sit at the patient's head in an operating chair.