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A modified technique for anterior multilevel cervical fusion
Scott D Hodges1, S Craig Humphreys, Jason C Eck
1Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, Foundation for Research, Chattanooga, TN, USA.
Summary
Anterior cervical fusion using interbody cages and anterior plating improves fusion rates and reduces pain. This technique offers stability, eliminates donor site pain, and decreases pseudoarthrosis for cervical spine fusion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Spine Surgery
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Anterior cervical fusion with plating can impede graft fusion due to load shielding.
- Interbody fusion cages are established in lumbar spine surgery and increasingly used in cervical spine procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anterior cervical fusion using interbody cages with anterior plating.
- To assess fusion rates, pain reduction, and complications associated with this modified technique.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients underwent anterior cervical discectomy and corpectomy, followed by cage placement packed with bone, and anterior plate fixation.
- Radiographic evidence of trabecular bone bridging through the cage defined fusion.
- Pre- and postoperative pain scales were analyzed using paired t tests.
Main Results:
- No cases of pseudoarthrosis or major neurological, vascular, or wound complications were observed.
- Significant improvement in Visual Analogue Pain Scales was noted postoperatively.
- Mean operative time was comparable to standard multilevel cervical fusion surgeries.
Conclusions:
- Anterior cervical fusion with interbody cages and anterior plating provides immediate stability and support.
- This technique eliminates iliac crest bone graft donor site morbidity and reduces pseudoarthrosis rates.
- The modified technique demonstrates safety and efficacy for anterior cervical fusion.