Early Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes Study Evaluating an Integrated Screw and Interbody Spacer for One- and...

Area of Science:

• Spine surgery
• Orthopedic implants
• Cervical spine fusion

Background:

• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) utilizes various implants, with integrated cage and screw constructs representing a newer option.
• These integrated devices offer a low anterior profile, potentially reducing the incidence of postoperative dysphagia compared to traditional anterior plate constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the early radiographic and clinical outcomes of a low-profile integrated intervertebral cage for one- and two-level ACDF.

Main Methods:

• A case series (Level IV evidence) assessed fusion rates, hardware failure, and deformity correction up to 1 year post-operation.
• Patient-reported outcomes including Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for neck pain, axial neck pain, and neurologic deficit were recorded at 3, 6, and 12 months.
• The incidence of dysphagia was specifically documented.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in lordosis (4.5°) and disc space height (3.3mm) were observed, maintained at 1 year.
• VAS neck pain improved from 5.1 to 3.1 postoperatively and remained stable.
• High rates of patient-reported improvement in axial neck pain (77-85%) and neurologic deficit (86-93%) were sustained at 12 months.
• Fusion occurred in 93% of levels, with a 3.5% rate of chronic dysphagia (2 cases) following two-level fusions.

Conclusions:

• The low-profile integrated device effectively restores and maintains cervical lordosis.
• Fusion rates are comparable to traditional ACDF with anterior plating.
• The device demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes, including pain reduction and a low incidence of chronic dysphagia, supporting its use in one- and two-level ACDF.