Posterior occipitocervical fusion in rheumatoid arthritis and other instabilities

Occipitocervical fixation remains a surgical challenge. A Y-plate in combination with transarticular screw fixation provides a simple and economically favorable solution to this problem. By integrating the transarticular screws into the Y-plate immediate postoperative reliable stabilization is achieved. Clinical results confirm the reliability and the low rate of pseudarthrosis with this surgical technique. Received for publication on April 16, 1999