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Segmental motion adjacent to anterior cervical arthrodesis: a prospective study
Frode Kolstad1, Øystein P Nygaard, Gunnar Leivseth
1National Centre of Spinal Disorders, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. Frode.Kolstad@ntnu.no
Spine
|March 6, 2007
Summary
Cervical fusion did not increase adjacent segment motion. This prospective study found no significant changes in rotational or translational motion 12 months after one-level cervical arthrodesis.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery biomechanics
- Cervical spine kinematics
- Adjacent segment disease research
Background:
- Adjacent segment disease is a concern after cervical fusion.
- Debate exists whether fusion accelerates spondylosis or if it's natural progression.
- Motion preservation procedures aim to prevent adjacent disc disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate kinematic changes at segments adjacent to a one-level cervical fusion.
- To determine if cervical fusion creates an unfavorable biomechanical situation at adjacent levels.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 46 patients undergoing anterior cervical decompression and fusion.
- Radiographic analysis of cervical spine flexion/extension before and 12 months post-surgery.
- Distortion Compensated Roentgen Analysis used to quantify adjacent level motion.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in rotational or translational motion were observed at adjacent cranial and caudal levels.
- Kinematics remained stable 12 months after the one-level cervical fusion procedure.
Conclusions:
- The study did not confirm that one-level cervical fusion iatrogenically increases adjacent segment mobility.
- Findings suggest cervical fusion may not significantly alter adjacent segment biomechanics within the first year.