Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
06:11
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model
Published on: October 5, 2009
12.4K
Do Anterior Cervical Osteophytes Prevent Dynamization of Cervical Dynamic Plates?
Moon Soo Park1, Seong-Hwan Moon, Hwan-Mo Lee
1*Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Medical College of Hallym University, Gyeonggi-do†Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea‡Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Clinical Spine Surgery
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with dynamic plates is safe, as anterior osteophytes do not impact plate dynamization or radiographic outcomes. This study confirms no adverse effects on spinal fusion or alignment in patients with osteophytes.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Radiographic analysis
Background:
- Dynamic cervical plates are frequently used in anterior cervical spine surgeries.
- A concern exists that anterior osteophytes may impede plate dynamization, potentially affecting surgical outcomes.
- Previous research has not adequately addressed the impact of osteophytes on dynamic plate function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the radiographic changes in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with dynamic rotational plates.
- To determine if the presence of anterior osteophytes at the caudal vertebral body affects plate dynamization and fusion outcomes.
- To assess the influence of osteophytes on adjacent segment alignment and graft stability.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 28 patients who underwent 1-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with dynamic rotational plates.
- Patients were divided into two groups: 13 with anterior osteophytes and 15 without (control).
- Radiographic parameters including Cobb angles, C2-C7 plumb lines, graft height, vertebral heights, and plate migration were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up (mean 10.8 months).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed between the osteophyte and control groups in any measured radiographic parameters.
- Parameters analyzed included adjacent and fused segment Cobb angles, C2-C7 plumb line distance, graft height, and operated segment vertebral heights.
- Plate migration distance also showed no significant difference between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Anterior osteophytes at the caudal vertebral body do not appear to hinder the dynamization of dynamic rotational plates used in anterior cervical spine surgery.
- The presence of osteophytes did not negatively impact radiographic outcomes, including fusion, alignment, or graft stability.
- These findings suggest that dynamic cervical plates can be safely used in patients with anterior osteophytes without compromising surgical results.
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