Are the additional grafts necessary?

The goals of surgery for spinal deformity are to correct or improve the deformity to get a stable, balanced and fused spine. The long-term success of any procedure for scoliosis depends on a solid arthrodesis. Getting fusion of the instrumented segment with the aid of copious autogenous iliac graft has been the most important goal of treatment.

[Treatment of occipitocervical instability by SUMMIT].

The occipitocervical junction with its complex anatomy and biomechanics represents unique anatomical structure difficult for operative treatment. Biomechanics forces in this region need to be resisted with rigid metallic construction to facilitate bone fusion. Surgeon must be careful about close relations of the bone, vascular and neurologic structures and must have good skills and knowledge to avoid serious complications during operations.