Occipitopexy as a Fusionless Solution for Dropped Head Syndrome: A Case Report. Issue 3 (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farshad, Mazda; Burkhard, Marco D.; Spirig, José M.
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 11:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: occipitopexy -- dropped head -- neck extensor -- cervical fusion -- Hodgkin lymphoma; Orthopedic surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: A 68-year-old woman suffered from an irradiation-induced dropped head syndrome (DHS). Fusion surgery was vehemently rejected by the patient. A new surgical method, avoiding fusion, was invented and performed to treat her DHS. This novel surgical technique of "occipitopexy"—a ligamentous fixation of the occiput to the upper thoracic spine—is described in detail. One year postoperatively, the patient was very satisfied, able to maintain a horizontal gaze, and rotate her head 20° to each side. Conclusion: This is the first report describing "occipitopexy" as an alternative to cervicothoracic fusion for patients with flexible DHS.