More nuanced craniocervical instabilities can now be treated with a better success rate and less cumbersome postoperative immobilization due to progressive build stabilization. Periods of traction followed by a halo were needed for initial on-lay fusion and basic wire techniques. Screw anchors can now be inserted independently of the longitudinal rod, thanks to modern screw-rod systems.
If you are the person who is going to take this Occipital cervical plate surgery, don't be so scared. Read this article and get to know about the basics that are followed during this procedure. It is necessary for everyone out there to know what is happening inside you.
What is the Occipital cervical plate?
For the occiput, there are multiple plate structures to choose from (examples shown on the left). Their usage is based on the same ideas, and to explain these ideas, they'll use a plate in the center that provides for modularity and orientation when attaching to the rods.
Surgical Indications
Rheumatoid arthritis with vertical migration of the odontoid and damage to the ligamentous systems of the craniocervical intersection are the most common manifestations of occipitocervical instability. The stabilizing components can also be destroyed by tumors and infections.
Surgical Position and Operative Exposure
A Mayfield pin headrest is used to place the patient prone. It's important to pay attention to perioperative positioning to avoid occipitocervical kyphosis. The vertebral artery arises from the atlas' circumferential foramen and runs medially on the posterior edge of the posterior ring's anterior half. Dissection of the posterior part of C1 does not stretch more than 12mm lateral to the midline on the cephalad side.
The occipital cervical region is aligned
If a preoperative X-ray is accessible, the surgeon may use it as a checklist to ensure that the occipital cervical conjunction is correctly aligned during fusion. Horizontal gaze is ideal when properly aligned.
Contouring and Decortication
Rods are temporarily positioned after the proper alignment is verified. Some devices have a rod with a ballpoint that makes it easier to position and contour the occipital cervical zone (which can be relatively difficult when bending straight rods to the proper contour). A normal rod can be bent if these rod-screw systems are not usable. Decortication of the lamina facets and posterior parts of the skull is done before the final positioning of the rods. While using intralaminar screw convergence at C2, it's important to avoid deep decortication, which could jeopardize screw fixation.
Major Principle of Surgery
The internal fixation just serves as an inner splint while the cancellous bone integrates, which is a crucial concept. The goal is to create a conducive climate for a good occipitocervical arthrodesis. The gold norm is autograft bone. Cement should not be used until the average lifespan is very small (less than 6 weeks). To achieve an early and exuberant fusion, an occipitocervical bone graft should be used.
Selfcare after the Surgery
- On the evening after the procedure, patients are forced to sit up in bed. Following surgical stabilization, a brace is typically used to monitor patient operation.
- A collar aims to avoid ranges of motion that are considered unfavourable for fracture healing. The use of a leash is voluntary.
- On the first day of treatment, patients with an unchanged neurological status are forced to stand and walk. Patients can be released because they are medically healthy, or they can be referred to a recovery facility if they need further treatment. This is contingent on the level of comfort and the involvement of other injuries.
- Patients are typically followed with x-rays every six weeks, three months, six months, and one year.
Final Lines
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