The migration of a Harrington rod after cervical fusion.

A patient was treated for an anterior dislocation of C4 on C5 with an open reduction and Harrington rod hook fixation. The compression rod dislodged and migrated through the foramen magnum into the cerebellum 4 years later. This case represents an unusual complication of Harrington rod instrumentation in the cervical spine.

Nerve root recovery in complete injuries of the cervical spine.

Thirty-six patients with complete quadriplegia were reviewed. Twenty-two underwent surgery, and 14 did not. There were 11 burst fractures and 3 extension fracture-dislocations, which were treated with anterior decompression and rigid plate fixation.