A MODIFIED PIN AND WIRING TECHNIQUE FOR OCCIPITOCERVICAL FUSION IN A CHILD WITH OCCIPITALIZATION OF THE ATLAS: A CASE REPORT

A rare case of occipitalization of the atlas with spinomedullary compression was reported. The child presented with neck pain and quadriplegia. Radiographic images showed occipito-atlantal instability. Posterior stabilization was performed using a contoured pin modi fi ed in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, wiring, and strut bone grafts between the occiput and C4 vertebra. Use of the modi fi ed pin and wiring technique, as described herein, achieved solid bone fusion and maintained stable constructs. The patient has shown symptomatic improvement and no remarkable complications after 5 years postoperatively. Chiang Mai Medical Journal 2010;49(1):35-39.