Occipito-Cervical Fusion
Occipito-Cervical Fusion (OCF) is a complex spine surgery offered in Calicut by Dr Shafeek, designed to stabilize the cranio-cervical junction where the skull meets the upper cervical spine. This area is critically important as it houses the brainstem, spinal cord, and major blood vessels, while allowing head and neck motion. Instability may result from trauma, congenital abnormalities (like basilar invagination or atlantoaxial instability), tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, or previous failed surgeries. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to severe pain, deformity, neurological deficits, and potentially life-threatening brainstem compression. OCF achieves stability by anchoring the skull to the cervical spine with rigid fixation and bone grafting, protecting vital structures, preventing further instability, and offering one of the best treatments for cranio-cervical disorders.
Performed under general anesthesia, patients are carefully positioned to protect the spinal cord. Through a posterior incision, screws are placed into the occipital bone and upper cervical vertebrae and connected with rigid titanium rods to immediately stabilize the cranio-cervical junction. Bone graft is added to promote fusion over time. In some cases, decompression of the spinal cord or brainstem is performed before fixation. OCF is indicated for severe instability or deformity from trauma, congenital abnormalities, tumors, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The main benefit is protection of the brainstem and spinal cord, providing long-term stability, pain relief, and improved function, while sacrificing some neck motion for enhanced safety and neurological preservation.
Recovery after occipito-cervical fusion in Calicut typically involves a hospital stay of several days. Patients may use a cervical collar or halo vest during early healing to support the construct. Physical therapy focuses on adapting to reduced neck mobility, improving posture, and strengthening surrounding muscles. While some permanent loss of head and neck motion is expected, most patients adapt well and experience significant improvements in pain, stability, and neurological function. OCF performed by Dr Shafeek is considered one of the best treatments for complex instability at the junction of the skull and spine.