Bovine bone grafting in occipito-cervical fusion for atlanto-axial instability in rheumatoid arthritis.

Säveland, H; Aspenberg, P; Zygmunt, S; Herrlin, K; Christensson, D; Rydholm, U · Acta Neurochir (Wien) · 1994

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Bovine bone chips (Surgibone) were used in occipito-cervical fusion in nine patients with atlanto-axial instability due to rheumatoid arthritis. The patients were examined with CT 12-15 months after surgery. Graft resorbtion was observed in one patient. The other 8 patients showed preserved grafts, in most cases the grafts appeared to be in contact with the underlying bone. One patient was revised, and at the grafted site a bony bridge was found. In conclusion, the use of bovine chips in posterior occipito-cervical fusion will not lead to predictable bone union. However, there seem to be exceptions to that rule.

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