Occipitocervical Vertex Fixation

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 by Rick Sasso, MD

Recently, I co-authored a chapter in a medical textbook entitled, “Occipitocervical Vertex Fixation.”   The Vertex system is used to stabilize the occipitocervical junction.  The occipitocervical junction refers to where the base of the skull and the vertebra connect (this junction is where the occiput, atlas and axis all join).  More than 50% of the rotation and flexion/extension of the head and neck occurs in this area.

 

In some instances, the occipitocervical junction can become unstable.  Causes of this instability include rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, tumors or infections.  There are many surgical techniques available to spine surgeons for the treatment of this.  This article outlines one of those options – occipitocervical vertex fixation.  Click here, for a link to this article. 

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