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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model
Published on: October 5, 2009
Anterior cervical discectomy without fusion or instrumentation: 25 years' experience
1Department of Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Rockland County, NY, USA.
Objective:
To assess a minimalist approach to anterior cervical discectomy without instrumentation or bone grafting.
Method:
A total of 530 operations performed during a 25-year period were evaluated in terms of technique and patient outcome.
Results:
Advantages included minimal blood loss, little tissue swelling, less narcotic requirement, fewer days in the hospital, and earlier return to customary activity. During the 2-year follow-up period, a repeat surgical procedure was required in only 2% of the group.
Conclusions:
Eliminating spinal fusion from anterior cervical discectomy shortened the operation, reduced the number of surgical instruments needed, and eliminated complications associated with obtaining a graft from the iliac crest or maintaining the bone in situ.
