Intraosseous screw fixation of anterior cervical graft construct after diskectomy

This article describes a new technique of intraosseous screw fixation of the cervical spine, as well as a retrospective review of 27 patients who had anterior cervical interbody fusion after diskectomy and fixation with one intraosseous Herbert screw, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The study included 19 men and eight women. There were no neurologic complications at final follow-up evaluation. All patients had radiographic evidence of fusion. No screw breakage, back-out, or dislodgement occurred. Optimal intraoperative radiographic evaluation for accurate intraosseous screw placement is recommended. The use of intraosseous screw fixation is a useful addition to the armamentarium of the spine surgeon when fixation of anterior cervical graft after diskectomy is required. One hundred percent rate of union and prevention of complications related to the currently used anterior fixation systems are the major advantages of this method.