Written in by SCOLI
Pittsburgh, July 23, 2025 — SCOLI researchers have published a groundbreaking case report introducing the innovative “Catcher’s Mitt” technique for occipitocervical surgery rescue procedures. This novel four-rod approach represents a significant advancement in addressing complex cervical instability and condylar problems.
Publication Details
Journal: Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine
Volume: 16(2)
Pages: 254-256
Date: April-June 2025
Type: Case Report
Key Innovation Features
The technique builds upon established methods like the Kickstand Rod for thoracolumbar scoliosis and the Candy Cane construct for cervicothoracic junction deformities, extending these principles to create a specialized four-rod iteration specifically designed for occipitocervical junction stabilization.
- Four-rod construct design for enhanced stability
- Specialized approach for occipitocervical junction instability
- Effective correction of condylar instability
- Application in complex neurological cases
- Building on proven Kickstand Rod methodology
Case Study Application
The case study demonstrates the technique’s application in a 34-year-old patient with Goldenhar syndrome, hemihypertrophy, and a complex neurosurgical history including Chiari decompression, clival chordoma resection, and previous cervical fusion. The patient presented with quadriparesis, dysphagia, and bilateral upper extremity paresthesias with occipital translation.
Research Team
This collaborative research involved multiple SCOLI team members and colleagues, demonstrating the institute’s multidisciplinary approach to advancing neurosurgical care.
- Samuel Adida - Contributing Author
- Roberta K. Sefcik - Contributing Author
- Ricardo J. Fernández de-Thomas - Contributing Author
- Ananya Sen - Contributing Author
- Edward G. Andrews - Contributing Author
- Nitin Agarwal - SCOLI Co-Director
- Paul A. Gardner - Contributing Author
- D. Kojo Hamilton - SCOLI Co-Director
Clinical Impact
The “Catcher’s Mitt” technique addresses a critical need in neurosurgery for managing complex occipitocervical instability. This innovation provides surgeons with a new tool for cases where traditional approaches may be insufficient, particularly in patients with complex anatomical variations and multiple comorbidities.
The technique’s development reflects SCOLI’s mission to combine computational research with clinical innovation, creating evidence-based solutions for the most challenging cases in spine surgery.
About SCOLI
The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI) at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery leads multidisciplinary efforts to improve spine health through research in degenerative spine disease, spinal cord injury, spinal deformities, and socioeconomic barriers to spine care.
Under the co-leadership of Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Hamilton, SCOLI unites neurosurgery, engineering, physiatry, and pain management to address complex spinal disorders through innovation and evidence-based approaches.
This publication showcases SCOLI’s commitment to developing innovative surgical techniques that address the most challenging cases in spine surgery, combining computational approaches with clinical excellence to improve patient outcomes.
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