====== Craniocervical fusion ======

[[Craniocervical junction abnormalities]] include a wide variety of [[disorder]]s and can be classified into [[congenital]] or [[acquired]]. A study by Alharbi et al. aimed to [[review]] the [[surgical outcome]] of [[pediatric patient]]s who underwent [[craniocervical fusion]] and/or [[atlantoaxial fusion]].

In a [[retrospective cohort study]] including all pediatric patients (≤ 18 years) who underwent craniocervical and/or [[atlantoaxial fusion]] between 2009 and 2019 at the quaternary medical city.

A total of 25 patients met our criteria and were included in the study. The mean age was 9 years (range: 1-17 years). There was a slight female preponderance (N = 13; 52%). Most patients (N = 16; 64%) had non-traumatic/chronic causes of craniocervical instability. Most patients presented with neck pain and/or stiffness (N = 14; 56%). The successful fusion of the craniocervical junction was achieved in most patients (N = 21; 84%). Intraoperative complications were encountered in 12% (N = 3) of the patients. Early postoperative complications were observed in five patients (20%). Five patients (20%) experienced long-term complications. A revision was needed in two patients (8%). Older age was significantly associated with higher fusion success rates (p = 0.003). The need for revision surgery rates was significantly higher among the younger age group (3.75 ± 2, p = 0.01).

The study demonstrates the surgical [[outcome]] of [[craniocervical]] and/or [[atlantoaxial fusion]] in pediatric patients. The successful fusion of the craniocervical junction was achieved in most patients. A significant association was found between older age and successful fusion, and between younger age and need for revision surgery
((Alharbi A, Alnefaie N, Alkhaibary A, Aledrees A, Almadani WH, Alhussenan M, Khairy S, Alshaya W. Pediatric craniocervical fusion: predictors of surgical outcomes, risk of recurrence, and re-operation. Childs Nerv Syst. 2022 May 5. doi: 10.1007/s00381-022-05541-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35511272.))
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Lall R, Patel NJ, Resnick DK. A review of complications associated with
[[craniocervical fusion]] surgery. Neurosurgery. 2010 Nov;67(5):1396-402; discussion
1402-3. doi: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181f1ec73. PMID: 20871441.