P M Ellis1, J M Findlay. 1. Division of Neurosurgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of internal craniocervical fixation with a Luque rod and autogeneic bone graft for craniocervical instability. DESIGN: A case series. SETTING: A university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Six patients with craniocervical instability from diverse causes. INTERVENTIONS: Craniocervical fusion with a custom-formed Luque rod wired to the occiput and a variable number of vertebrae overlaid with autogeneic bone graft, followed by bracing with either a halo vest or a removable, stiff, plastic cervical orthosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Craniocervical fusion and neurologic stability. RESULTS: All patients maintained good craniocervical alignment. Radiologic bony fusion was achieved in five patients. Three patients remained neurologically stable and three had improved neurologic status. CONCLUSION: Craniocervical fusion with the contoured Luque rod and autogeneic bone grafting, usually in combination with a temporary plastic cervical orthosis, is of value in managing craniocervical instability.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of internal craniocervical fixation with a Luque rod and autogeneic bone graft for craniocervical instability. DESIGN: A case series. SETTING: A university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Six patients with craniocervical instability from diverse causes. INTERVENTIONS: Craniocervical fusion with a custom-formed Luque rod wired to the occiput and a variable number of vertebrae overlaid with autogeneic bone graft, followed by bracing with either a halo vest or a removable, stiff, plastic cervical orthosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Craniocervical fusion and neurologic stability. RESULTS: All patients maintained good craniocervical alignment. Radiologic bony fusion was achieved in five patients. Three patients remained neurologically stable and three had improved neurologic status. CONCLUSION: Craniocervical fusion with the contoured Luque rod and autogeneic bone grafting, usually in combination with a temporary plastic cervical orthosis, is of value in managing craniocervical instability.