OCCIPITAL HOOK (TT)
An occipital hook, often referred to as an occipital plate with a hook or an occipital cervical hook, is a component used in occipitocervical fusion surgeries. Here's an overview of its specifications and uses:
Specification
- Material: Occipital hooks are typically made from medical-grade titanium or titanium alloy. This material is chosen for its biocompatibility, strength, and durability, ensuring compatibility with bone tissue and long-term stability within the spinal construct.
- Design: Occipital hooks are designed with a plate-like structure that includes a hook extending from one end. The plate is anchored to the occiput (the base of the skull) using screws, while the hook provides a stable anchor point for spinal instrumentation, such as rods, to stabilize and fuse the upper cervical spine.
- Hook Configuration: The hook portion of the occipital plate may have various configurations, including a single hook or multiple hooks, depending on the surgical technique and the specific requirements of the patient's anatomy.
- Plate Profile: The profile of the occipital plate is typically low-profile to minimize soft tissue irritation and reduce the risk of post-operative complications. This is particularly important in minimally invasive or less invasive surgical approaches.
- Screw Holes: The occipital plate has multiple screw holes along its length, allowing for the attachment of screws to secure the plate to the occiput. The screw holes are strategically placed to provide optimal fixation and stability.
Uses
- Occipitocervical Fusion: Occipital hooks are primarily used in occipitocervical fusion surgeries to stabilize and fuse the upper cervical spine. They provide a stable anchor point for spinal instrumentation and facilitate the fusion of the occiput to the upper cervical vertebrae (C1-C2).
- Correction of Spinal Deformities: These hooks may be used in the correction of spinal deformities such as basilar invagination, craniovertebral junction anomalies, or occipitocervical instability. By providing stable fixation and alignment, occipital hooks help to realign the spine and improve spinal stability.
- Trauma Surgery: Occipital hooks can be employed in the treatment of traumatic injuries to the occipitocervical junction, such as fractures or dislocations. They provide additional stability and support to the injured spinal segments, aiding in fracture reduction and promoting healing.
- Revision Surgery: Occipital hooks may be used in revision occipitocervical surgeries to augment or replace existing instrumentation. They can provide additional stability and support in cases where previous instrumentation has failed or requires modification.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: In minimally invasive occipitocervical fusion surgeries, occipital hooks with a low-profile design are used to minimize tissue disruption and facilitate less invasive approaches. They allow for stabilization of the spinal instrumentation system while preserving adjacent anatomical structures.
In summary, occipital hooks are essential components in occipitocervical fusion surgeries, providing stability, alignment, and fusion across the occipitocervical junction. They are utilized by trained spinal surgeons following proper surgical techniques and patient-specific considerations to achieve successful fusion and stabilization of the upper cervical spine.