Craniocervical fusion with contoured Luque rod and autogeneic bone graft.

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.