Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:11
Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants
Published on: May 23, 2020
Occipital cervical stabilization using occipital condyles for cranial fixation: technical case report
Juan S Uribe1, Edwin Ramos, Ali Baaj
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA. juansuribe@gmail.com
Neurosurgery
|November 26, 2009
Summary
This study presents a novel surgical technique for craniocervical stabilization using occipital condyles for cranial fixation. This safe and feasible method effectively treats craniocervical instability, achieving solid fusion.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Fusion
Background:
- Craniocervical instability presents significant challenges in treatment.
- Traditional fixation methods may have limitations.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male with delayed neck pain post-trauma had a type 2 odontoid fracture with pseudarthrosis and superior dens displacement.
- Cranial settling of the dens was also noted.
Findings:
- Posterior occipitocervical fixation was performed using a novel construct with occipital condyle screws as the sole cranial fixation points.
- The construct also included C1 lateral mass and C2 pars articularis fixation.
- At 12-month follow-up, the patient exhibited a solid occipitocervical fusion and remained neurologically intact.
Implications:
- Occipital condyle screws offer a safe and feasible alternative for cephalad fixation in craniocervical stabilization.
- This technique can be safely employed without neurovascular complications.
- It provides a viable surgical option for managing craniocervical instability.
