Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model
Published on: October 5, 2009
The Effect of Dynamic Versus Static Plating Systems on Fusion Rates and Complications in 1-Level and/or 2-Level
Gregory D Schroeder1, Christopher K Kepler, Douglas A Hollern
1*The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA †Department of Orthopaedics, Centro Hospitalar do Porto-Hospital de Santo António, Porto, Portugal ‡Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
Study Design:
A systematic review.
Objective:
To determine the effect of plate design on fusion rates in patients undergoing a 1- and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
Methods:
Articles published between January 1, 2002 and January 1, 2015 were systematically reviewed to determine the fusion rate of 1- and 2-level ACDFs using either a fully constrained or semiconstrained locking plate. Additional variables that were collected included the number of levels, the type of graft/cage used, the study design, the method for determining fusion, and complications.
Results:
Fifty-two articles and 3053 patients were included. No significant difference in the fusion rate for 1- and 2-level ACDF using a fully constrained plate (96.1%) and a semiconstrained plate (95.29%) was identified (P=0.84). No difference (P=0.85) in the total complication rate between fully constrained plates (3.20%) and semiconstrained plates (3.66%), or the rate of complications that required a revision (2.17% vs. 2.41%, P=0.82) was identified. However, semiconstrained plates had a nonsignificant increase in total dysphagia rates (odds ratio=1.660, P=0.28) and short-term dysphagia rates (odds ratio=2.349, P=0.10).
Conclusions:
In patients undergoing a 1- or 2-level ACDF, there is no significant difference in the fusion or complication rate between fully constrained plates and semiconstrained plates.
Level Of Evidence:
Level II-systematic review.
