Overview

This surgery uses rods and implants to stabilize your head and neck by fusing the base of your skull to your cervical spine.

Preparation

To begin, you are positioned face-down and are anesthetized. Some of your scalp may be shaved to expose the surgery site.  The surgeon immobilizes your head and makes an incision from the back of you head down your neck.

Stabilization

A series of screws is implanted on the sides of your upper cervical vertebrae.  The surgeon secures a plate to the base of your skull, and then attaches rods to the plate and screws.  Bone graft may be used to help secure and stabilize the hardware.

End of procedure

When the surgery is finished, your incision is stitched closed and bandaged.  You are kept in a recovery room for several hours and may be transferred to an in-patient room for an overnight stay.