[Posterior arthrodeses of the upper cervical spine in children and adolescents. Apropos of 19 cases].

The authors have analysed 19 cases of cervical spine fusion in children and teenagers with a review of the literature. In the present series, the levels fused were between the occiput, C1 and C2. The ages of the patients ranged between 2 months and 18 years. There was a great variety of indications for these operations, the majority being congenital deformities or Morquio's disease. The main disabilities were neurological impairment, or instability or deformity of the neck. Recent advances in radiological investigation made it possible to make a more precise diagnosis of lesions with bony deformities, fibrous bands or instability. In 9 instances, a fusion alone was made and in 10 it was associated with cord decompression. The results were analysed in relation to the clinical features, the post-operative mobility of the neck and the incorporation of the graft.