[Cervical discectomies by the anterior approach]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Anterior cervical surgery is a common procedure for various spinal conditions.
• Two primary techniques, Cloward's approach (DEC) and discectomy alone (DS), have been utilized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of Cloward's approach (DEC) versus discectomy alone (DS) in anterior cervical surgery.
• To evaluate differences in postoperative stay, complications, and clinical success rates between the two surgical techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 60 patients undergoing anterior cervical surgery between 1980 and 1989.
• Patients were divided into two groups: 28 undergoing DEC and 32 undergoing DS.
• Clinical evaluation of 57 patients post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Postoperative stay was 2.4 times longer for DEC compared to DS.
• Surgical complication rates were 14.3% for DEC and 9.3% for DS.
• No significant difference in clinical success rates or spine stability evolution between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Both DEC and DS yield similar clinical outcomes and success rates.
• DEC is associated with higher morbidity and longer hospitalization, suggesting its use be limited to cervical instability.
• DS may be preferred for routine discectomy due to lower complication rates and shorter recovery.