Anterior cervical vertebrectomy and interbody fusion. Technical note.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Multilevel cervical disease presents complex surgical challenges.
• Anterior cervical vertebrectomy and interbody fusion are common treatment modalities.
• Graft selection is crucial for successful fusion and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a refined surgical technique for anterior cervical vertebrectomy and interbody fusion.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a bone-bank fibular strut graft.
• To assess the impact of the technique on postoperative morbidity and hospital stay.

Main Methods:

• The technique involves anterior cervical vertebrectomy and interbody fusion for multilevel cervical disease.
• A high-speed drill is utilized for decompression and creating ledges in vertebral bodies.
• A bone-bank fibular strut graft is employed as an alternative to autograft.

Main Results:

• The described technique allows for safe decompression of the cervical canal.
• Ledges provide a secure rectangular bed for optimal bone graft seating.
• The use of a bone-bank fibular strut graft proved feasible and effective.

Conclusions:

• This surgical technique offers a simplified and safe approach to anterior cervical vertebrectomy and interbody fusion.
• Bone-bank fibular strut grafts are a viable alternative to autografts in this procedure.
• The technique effectively reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens hospital stays for patients with multilevel cervical disease.