The short-term clinical complication rates are lower when using the rigid occipitocervical construct during cervical spine surgery compared to the non-rigid occipiotcervical fusion, according to a study published in The Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques.
Researchers examined the data from 71 occipitocervical fusion patients—25 with non-rigid technique and 46 with rigid construct. The average follow up was 6.3 months.
A 48 percent complication rate was reported for the 25 non-rigidly fused patients while a 10 percent complication rate was reported for the 46 rigidly fused patients.
Read the abstract on the cervical spine surgery complication rates.
Read other coverage on spine studies:
- Study: Nonfusion Method for Treating Spinal Fractures Effective for Young Patients
- Study: Methadone Reduces Postoperative Pain in Complex Spine Surgery Patients
- Study: Combined Posterior-Anterior Approach Effective for Treating Spinal Tumors
Researchers examined the data from 71 occipitocervical fusion patients—25 with non-rigid technique and 46 with rigid construct. The average follow up was 6.3 months.
A 48 percent complication rate was reported for the 25 non-rigidly fused patients while a 10 percent complication rate was reported for the 46 rigidly fused patients.
Read the abstract on the cervical spine surgery complication rates.
Read other coverage on spine studies:
- Study: Nonfusion Method for Treating Spinal Fractures Effective for Young Patients
- Study: Methadone Reduces Postoperative Pain in Complex Spine Surgery Patients
- Study: Combined Posterior-Anterior Approach Effective for Treating Spinal Tumors