Occipitocervical fixation and spondylodesis is indicated in various cases of occipitocervical instability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of occipitocervical fixation at our institutions. Between 1997 and 2007, a total of 57 patients underwent occipitocervical fixation (OC) there were 25 men and 32 women, from 4 to 77 years of age. 2 groups, group one - tying wires or cables and group two - screw-rod or screw-plate systems. Indications included trauma in 15, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 28, destruction due to psoriasis in one, tumour in eight, and congenital anomalies in five patients. The patients were evaluated at a final follow-up ranging between 12 and 132 months after the primary surgery (average, 42.7 months). Indications for surgery and the method and extent of instrumentation were recorded. The evaluation included pain and neurological deficit assessment, radiographic evidence of the stability of fixation and bone union and intra-operative and early and late post-operative complications.PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
MATERIAL + METHODS
The main symptoms in multiple myeloma are the result of skeletal destruction mainly the vertebral column. The current treatments for multiple myeloma include radiotherapy and chemotherapy but unfortunately it is still incurable. However, the symptoms and quality of life of these patients can be improved by cement augmentation which has gained popularity in the recent years. To analyse the efficacy and safety of cement augmentation and to assess the survival and outcome of the patients with vertebral fractures secondary to multiple myeloma.Introduction
Aim
