The impact of the difference in O-C2 angle in the development of dysphagia after occipitocervical fusion: a simulation study in normal volunteers combined with a case-control study

The present study showed that the dO-C2A should be a key factor in the development of postoperative dysphagia after OCF. A dO-C2A of −5° could be the threshold between dysphagia and normal swallowing. Furthermore, to avoid dysphagia, surgeons should correct the O-C2A just before the final occipitocervical fixation if the checked dO-C2A during surgery is less than −5°.