Cervical implant fixation: a topical review of techniques and their importance

Cervical implant fixation is a critical surgical intervention for stabilizing the cervical spine, often necessitated by trauma, degenerative diseases, or spinal deformities. While spinal disc disease has historically been treated with fusion-based procedures, there has been a recent surge of interest in motion-preserving disc arthroplasties. The present study provides a topical narrative review of selected and recent literature on cervical implant fixation techniques, including anterior and posterior approaches, implant materials, biomechanical considerations, and reported clinical outcomes. Traditional fusion-based procedures have long been used to treat cervical disc disease, while recent years have seen increasing interest in motion-preserving techniques such as cervical disc arthroplasty. Developments in implant design and fixation strategies have contributed to improved radiographic and functional results compared with earlier systems, although each technique presents specific benefits and limitations. Cervical implant fixation has evolved into a highly sophisticated discipline that includes anterior, posterior, and motion-preserving techniques for treating a wide range of spinal conditions. This review summarises recent advances, common complications, and emerging trends in cervical fixation, and highlights existing research gaps to support future investigation and clinical decision-making.