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Nonunion following two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
R W Lindsey1, K E Newhouse, J Leach
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.
Abstract:
Nonunion is a potential complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). There are reports that cite the prevalence of nonunion for two-level ACDF with various fusion techniques, but they do not recommend treatment alternatives. Pseudarthrosis after a two-level ACDF occurred in a 69-year-old man. Posterior cervical wiring and autograft resulted in a successful fusion anteriorly and posteriorly. Posterior fusion augments stability, enhances the potential for eventual anterior fusion, avoids the risks of an additional anterior procedure, and is an excellent therapeutic alternative to a second anterior attempt at stabilization.