Value of early postoperative plain radiography following BOP fusion in cervical spinal surgery

After anterior decompression and interbody fusion with biocompatible osteoconductive polymer (BOP) for cervical degenerative disease it is common practice to perform early radiography to evaluate the results, as a questionnaire sent to 136 consultants neurosurgeons in UK demonstrated. Radiographs of 39 patients following the procedure were analysed and it was concluded that the practice is of no value.