Clinical and functional outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy without fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy without fusion is an effective treatment for myeloradiculopathy arising from a medial disc prolapse. However, the long-term clinical results are not well known. Between 2000 and 2006, 38 patients with persistent radiculopathy and medial disc prolapse or myelopathy due to acute disc prolapse underwent subtotal anterior cervical discectomy without fusion. Patients were evaluated with respect to pain, myelopathy and functional outcome. Thirty-four patients were followed up for an average of 48.6 months. Following surgery, neck pain improved by 69% in 88% of patients, arm pain improved by 76% in 91% of patients and 76% of the patients were able to resume working in their previous occupation. We conclude anterior cervical decompression without fusion can be associated with good clinical results that are sustained in patients with predominant acute soft disc prolapse generating medial nerve root compression or cord compression.