Biomechanical differences of three cephalic fixation methods for patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation in the setting of congenital atlas occipitalization: a finite element analysis

In cases of basilar invagination-atlantoaxial dislocation (BI-AAD) complicated by atlas occipitalization (AOZ), the approach to cranial end fixation has consistently sparked debate, generally falling into two categories: C1-C2 fixation and occipitocervical fixation. Several authors believe that C1-C2 fixation carries a lower risk of fixation failure than occipitocervical fixation.