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Use of ventral plates for cervical arthrodesis
Daniel K Resnick1, Gregory R Trost
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. Resnick@neurosurg.wisc.edu
Neurosurgery
|January 6, 2007
Summary
Ventral cervical plates offer little proven benefit for single-level cervical fusion. However, they may be advantageous for multilevel procedures or traumatic instability, with potential cost-benefit considerations.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Ventral cervical plates are utilized to enhance immediate postoperative spinal rigidity.
- Their application follows decompressive and reconstructive spinal procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing evidence supporting the use of ventral cervical plates.
- To critically evaluate the utility of ventral cervical plating in spinal surgery.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed.
- Relevant articles were identified and critiqued to assess the efficacy of ventral cervical plating.
Main Results:
- Limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared ventral cervical discectomy with and without fusion and plating.
- Evidence suggests minimal benefit for single-level cervical fusion without plating.
Conclusions:
- Ventral cervical plates show limited medical utility in single-level cervical fusion.
- Potential cost-benefit advantages may exist.
- Plates appear beneficial in multilevel procedures and cases of traumatic spinal instability.
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