Osteosynthesis of the cervical spine with an anterior plate

Osteosynthesis with an anterior plate is indicated for stabilization of the cervical spine. It is used for reconstruction of the vertebral body following corpectomy and for cervical instability due to fractures, fracture-dislocations, and post-laminectomy. In these situations, a well-keyed anterior graft or posterior fusion alone may be inadequate to attain stability. The authors retrospectively review 25 cases of osteosynthesis of the cervical spine using the AO H-plate. All the patients were stable enough postoperatively to allow early mobilization with a cervicothoracic orthosis. Average follow up was 31.2 months. All the grafts fused; however, complications occurred in 36% of the cases. The majority of these complications did not affect the long-term clinical result. This method involves potential risks to the spinal cord, esophagus, carotid structures, and laryngeal nerve. It should therefore be used in carefully selected cases.