Occipitocervical fusion using a hook and rod system between cervical levels C2 and C3

We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility and safety of the hook and rod method for occipitocervical fusion. Eleven consecutive patients (3 males, 8 females; 50-78 years old, average 63.8 years; 16-77 months follow-up, average 33.7 months) with unstable lesions at the craniocervical junction who underwent occipitocervical fusion using a hook and rod system were examined. A Compact Cotrel-Dubousset cervical system (Sofamor-Danek, Memphis TN, USA) was used in all patients. The claw mechanism was applied bilaterally between the hook on the C2 lamina and the hook on the C3 inferior articular process. No complications occurred during surgery. Solid bony fusion was obtained in all patients and no patient became clinically worse postoperatively. Occipitocervical fusion using a hook and rod system is a useful procedure that allows decompression of the spinal cord and secure spinal fusion at multiple levels simultaneously. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.