Document Detail


Radiographic and clinical outcomes following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and allograft fusion without plate placement or cervical collar.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18447687     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECT: Although the clinical outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery are generally good, 2 major complications are graft migration and nonunion. These complications have led some to advocate rigid internal fixation and/or cervical immobilization postoperatively. This paper examines a single-surgeon experience with single-level ACDF without use of plates or hard collars in patients with degenerative spondylosis in whom allograft was used as the fusion material. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of a prospective database of (Cloward-type) ACDF operations performed by the senior author (J.A.J.) between July 1996 and June 2005. Radiographic follow-up included static and flexion/extension radiographs obtained to assess fusion, focal and segmental kyphosis, and change in disc space height. At most recent follow-up, the patients' condition was evaluated by an independent physician examiner. The Odom criteria and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess outcome. RESULTS: One hundred seventy patients underwent single-level ACDF for degenerative pathology during the study period. Their most common presenting symptoms were pain, weakness, and radiculopathy; 88% of patients noted >or= 2 neurological complaints. The mean hospital stay was 1.76 days (range 0-36 days), and 3 patients (2%) had major immediate postoperative complications requiring reoperation. The mean duration of follow-up was 22 months (range 12-124 months). Radiographic evidence of fusion was present in 160 patients (94%). Seven patients (4%) showed radiographic evidence of pseudarthrosis, and graft migration was seen in 3 patients (2%). All patients had increases in focal kyphosis at the operated level on postoperative radiographs (mean -7.4 degrees ), although segmental alignment was preserved in 133 patients (78%). Mean change in disc space height was 36.5% (range 28-53%). At most recent clinical follow-up, 122 patients (72%) had no complaints referable to cervical disease and were able to carry out their activities of daily living without impairment. The mean postoperative NDI score was 3.2 (median 3, range 0-31). CONCLUSIONS: Single-level ACDF without intraoperative plate placement or the use of a postoperative collar is an effective treatment for cervical spondylosis. Although there is evidence of focal kyphosis and loss of disc space height, radiographic evidence of fusion is comparable to that attained with plate fixation, and the rate of clinical improvement is high.
Authors:
Jay Jagannathan; Christopher I Shaffrey; Rod J Oskouian; Aaron S Dumont; Christian Herrold; Charles A Sansur; John A Jane
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of neurosurgery. Spine     Volume:  8     ISSN:  1547-5654     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2008 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-05-01     Completed Date:  2008-07-01     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101223545     Medline TA:  J Neurosurg Spine     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  420-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Box 800212, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. jj5a@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Activities of Daily Living
Adult
Aged
Bone Transplantation / adverse effects,  methods*,  radiography
Cervical Vertebrae / radiography,  surgery*
Diskectomy / methods*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Kyphosis / etiology,  radiography
Length of Stay
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Pain / surgery
Postoperative Complications
Prospective Studies
Pseudarthrosis / etiology,  radiography
Quality of Life
Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
Reoperation
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Fusion / methods*
Spinal Osteophytosis / surgery
Transplantation, Homologous
Treatment Outcome

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