The role of plate and screw fixation in occipitocervical fusion in rheumatoid arthritis.

STUDY DESIGN

In a clinical retrospective study, the results of occipitocervical fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied and analyzed.

OBJECTIVES

The results of two different operative techniques were compared. The advantages of screw fixation compared with wiring techniques in this population of patients were investigated.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Numerous different implants have been presented in the literature for occipitocervical fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The use of wires being the standard fixation technique.

METHODS

Occipitocervical fusion was performed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 26 patients with the wiring technique and 33 patients with a new Y-plate fixation. The results were compared at a follow-up period of 24 months and 50 months, respectively. Clinical and radiologic results were investigated.

RESULTS

The atlantodental distance could be significantly better reduced in the group with the Y-plate fixation and the neurologic improvement in the wiring group was 40%, whereas in the Y-plate fixation 86% of neurologic improvement was observed. Pseudarthrosis was seen in 27% of the wiring technique and in 6% in the plate and screw fixation technique.

CONCLUSIONS

In occipitocervical fusion for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the screw and plate fixation technique provides superior results than other techniques using wire fixations.