[Complications of anterior cervical fusion operations]

The authors describe the technique of operation and then report about 15 intra- and post-operative complications in 360 anterior cervical fusions in 307 patients who suffered from cervical disc lesions. The complication rate was 4.16%. Apart from one case of complete but clinically reasonably well compensated recurrent paresis, all complications healed without permanent deficit. The differential diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of these specific operative complications are discussed.