Occipito-cervical anchorage method: some biomechanical aspects and clinical results; experience of last nine years

The treatment of spinal disfunctions in the occipito-cervical and cervical area poses a serious challenge and requires a non-typical biomechanical support with implants. The difficulty consists in simultaneous fixation of occiput and cervical vertebrae to the carrying rod. The orthopaedic wire, hooks and occipital screws that were used previously have been replaced with an anchor. An installation of the anchor in a bone involves turning it by 90° in a formerly prepared seat. The installation is intraoperatively easy, controlled by the surgeon in its biomechanical aspect, and reduces the need for frequent X-ray diagnostics. The firmness of anchor stabilization depends on the bone quality, the manner of its installation, and is higher than with other implants. Biomechanical and clinical examinations have confirmed the acceptability of the O·C·A·M method and extended the possibilities of support in the pathologies of the occipito-cervical area.