What is Occipitocervical Junction?
The occipitocervical junction (OCJ) is a highly specialized area of the spine. Understanding the unique anatomy, imaging, and craniometry of this area is paramount in recognizing and managing the potentially devastating effects that pathology has on it.
What happens when your neck is fused?
Spinal fusion is surgery to join two or more vertebrae into one single structure. The goal is to stop movement between the two bones and prevent back pain. Once they’re fused, they no longer move like they used to. This keeps you from stretching nearby nerves, ligaments, and muscles that may have caused discomfort.
How is Craniocervical instability treated?
Treatment. Conservative treatment of craniocervical instability includes physical therapy and the use of a cervical collar to keep the neck stable. Cervical spinal fusion is performed on patients with more severe symptoms.
What is a halo vest?
A halo-vest is a brace that is used to immobilize and protect the cervical spine and neck after surgery or accident. The halo is a ring that surrounds the head and is attached by pins to the outer portion of the skull; however, some Halos are pinless but are only used in certain situations.
Is cervical instability life threatening?
Cervical instability is a medical condition in which loose ligaments in your upper cervical spine may lead to neuronal damage and a large list of adverse symptoms. If you have cervical instability, you may be experiencing migraines, vertigo, or nausea. Fortunately, this condition is treatable, though not curable.
What can you not do after neck surgery?
No driving while on narcotics or if you were given a neck brace to wear. No lifting more than 5 pounds (about a gallon of milk) for the first 2 weeks after surgery. No lifting more than 25 pounds for an additional 4 weeks (six weeks total). No sexual activity for the first week after surgery, after that as comfortable.
Is neck surgery Risky?
Some risks related to neck surgery can include: bleeding or hematoma at the surgical site. infection of the surgical site. injury to the nerves or spinal cord.
What is the pathophysiology of occipitocervical junction?
The occipitocervical junction is susceptible to a wide variety of pathologic conditions that predispose it to instability. Any patient with instability, as a result of trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, and congenital or tumor causes, experiencing a neurologic deficit requires arthrodesis.
Is occipitocervical fusion a routine operation?
Summary Occipitocervical fusion is not a routine operation and is a challenging procedure due to complex anatomy of the craniocervical junction. Its unique anatomic and biomechanical property subjects any instrumentation construct to significant stress.
Is external immobilization of the craniocervical junction a routine procedure?
External immobilization including prolonged immobilization in a Minerva jacket or a halo vest is rarely performed today as a result of the rigid fixation achieved from the newer techniques. 10. Summary Occipitocervical fusion is not a routine operation and is a challenging procedure due to complex anatomy of the craniocervical junction.
What is the role of intraoperative fluoroscopy in the treatment of occipitocervical fusion?
Appropriate patient positioning and visualization with intraoperative fluoroscopy are needed to facilitate both exposure and instrumentation. Occipitocervical fusion may be indicated for multiple disease processes that render the craniocervical junction unstable.
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