Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
07:11
Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants
Published on: May 23, 2020
7.4K
Endoscopic Endonasal Occipitocervical Fixation with a Customized Three-Dimensional Printed Titanium Plate-Screw
Joel Kaye1, John Na1, Katarina Stephan1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|July 12, 2024
Summary
This study demonstrates that endonasal occipitocervical fixation (OCF) is feasible in cadavers. This minimally invasive technique offers a new option for treating craniovertebral junction pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Device Design
Background:
- Occipitocervical fixation (OCF) is crucial for stabilizing the craniovertebral junction.
- Current OCF methods can be invasive, leading to significant patient morbidity.
- Minimally invasive alternatives are needed to improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of a novel endonasal approach for occipitocervical fixation.
- To assess the technical and anatomical viability of OCF via the endonasal corridor.
Main Methods:
- Thin-cut CT scans of 5 cadaveric specimens were used to create 3D models.
- Custom titanium plates were designed using CAD software and 3D-printed.
- Endonasal OCF was performed using neuronavigation and rigid endoscopy, followed by CT assessment of screw accuracy.
Main Results:
- Endonasal OCF was successfully performed on all 5 cadaveric specimens.
- Precise screw entry points and trajectories for occipital condyle and C1 fixation were documented.
- CT scans confirmed accurate screw placement with no critical neurovascular structure compromise.
Conclusions:
- Endonasal occipitocervical fixation is technically and anatomically feasible.
- This minimally invasive technique may enable same-stage endonasal decompression and fixation.
- Further biomechanical testing is planned to validate this novel approach.
