World Neurosurg
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World Neurosurg
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Several studies have shown excellent fusion rates in occipitocervical (OC) fusions, but very little is reported on mortality and reoperation rates in elderly patients. Our article reports these rates in elderly patients from a national spine registry with a >2-year follow-up period. ⋯ Mortality rate was 27.7% and the reoperations rate was 14.9% for patients who underwent OC fusions with age >65 years and were observed for >2 years. These numbers are much higher than in younger patients, but reflect a higher mortality due to their comorbidities and from progression of their disease for cases of metastasis to the spine.