Anterior cervical discectomy without interbody fusion: an analysis of 81 cases

An analysis of 81 patients subjected to anterior cervical discectomy without interbody fusion was made. In these, 62 operations were done with the aid of microscopic magnification. Nineteen were done without. The results appeared to be equally favourable. However, these comparable results should be interpreted in the light of patient selection. Only solitary soft discs were selected in the latter group. The concept of "tail" undoubtedly came into play in this group. In the other group, discs or spurs or both, including multiple level involvement with varying degrees of spinal stenosis, were candidates for such a procedure. The magnification provided the added dimensions of direct vision enabling the surgeon to see more and do more. The overall results are comparable to those done with interbody fusion. This fact, plus the relative simplicity and lack of complications, makes this procedure superior to that with fusion.