Four-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Plate Fixation

Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve W. Chang ◽  
Udaya K. Kakarla ◽  
Peter H. Maughan ◽  
Jeff DeSanto ◽  
Douglas Fox ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating is a common procedure performed for cervical spondylosis by spine surgeons. However, data on procedures involving 4 disc spaces are lacking. We report the outcomes of patients who underwent 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating at a single institution. METHODS Between 1997 and 2006, 34 patients (19 females, 15 males; mean age, 58 years; age range, 38–83 years) underwent 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating based on a surgical database search. Only patients undergoing surgery at 4 contiguous disc levels were included. Data were collected in a retrospective fashion. Patients' demographics, symptoms, neurologic findings, and radiographic findings at admission were recorded. Long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes at last follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients (85%) underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating at C3–C7. Sixteen patients presented with neurologic deficits, of which 14 (88%) improved. None worsened after surgery. Minor complications occurred in 26 patients, including transient dysphagia in 18 (53%) and hoarseness in 3 (9%). Radiographic outcomes were available in 27 patients (median follow-up, 15 months; range, 4–71 months). The overall fusion rate was 92.6%. Stable fibrous nonunions were present in 2 patients; the chance of nonunion was 1.9% per level and 7% per patient. Adjacent-level disease occurred in 2 patients. CONCLUSION In carefully selected patients, 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating can be associated with high rates of fusion. The technique is safe and effective for managing multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy and may obviate the need for circumferential procedures.

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 527-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Luszczyk ◽  
Justin S. Smith ◽  
Jeffrey S. Fischgrund ◽  
Steven C. Ludwig ◽  
Rick C. Sasso ◽  
...  

Object Although smoking has been shown to negatively affect fusion rates in patients undergoing multilevel fusions of the cervical and lumbar spine, the effect of smoking on fusion rates in patients undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with allograft and plate fixation has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The objective of the present study was to address the effect of smoking on fusion rates in patients undergoing a 1-level ACDF with allograft and a locked anterior cervical plate. Methods This study is composed of patients from the control groups of 5 separate studies evaluating the use of an anterior cervical disc replacement to treat cervical radiculopathy. For each of the 5 studies the control group consisted of patients who underwent a 1-level ACDF with allograft and a locked cervical plate. The authors of the present study reviewed data obtained in a total of 573 patients; 156 patients were smokers and 417 were nonsmokers. A minimum follow-up period of 24 months was required for inclusion in this study. Fusion status was assessed by independent observers using lateral, neutral, and flexion/extension radiographs. Results An overall fusion rate of 91.4% was achieved in all 573 patients. A solid fusion was shown in 382 patients (91.6%) who were nonsmokers. Among patients who were smokers, 142 (91.0%) had radiographic evidence of a solid fusion. A 2-tailed Fisher exact test revealed a p value of 0.867, indicating no difference in the union rates between smokers and nonsmokers. Conclusions The authors found no statistically significant difference in fusion status between smokers and nonsmokers who underwent a single-level ACDF with allograft and a locked anterior cervical plate. Although the authors do not promote tobacco use, it appears that the use of allograft with a locked cervical plate in single-level ACDF among smokers produces similar fusion rates as it does in their nonsmoking counterparts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haimiti Abudouaini ◽  
Tingkui Wu ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Beiyu Wang ◽  
Hua Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that uncovertebral joint contributes to segment mobility and stability to a certain extent. Simultaneously, osteophytes arising from the uncinate process are a common cause of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). For such patients, partial uncinatectomy (UT) may be required. However, the clinical efficacy and sagittal alignment of partial UT during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) have not been fully elucidated. Methods A total of 87 patients who had undergone single level ACDF using a zero-profile device from July 2014 to December 2018 were included. Based on whether the foraminal part of the uncovertebral joint was resected or preserved, the patients were divided into the ACDF with UT group (n = 37) and the ACDF without UT group (n = 50). Perioperative data, radiographic parameters, clinical outcomes, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The mean follow-up was 16.86 ± 5.63 and 18.36 ± 7.51 months in the ACDF with UT group and ACDF without UT group, respectively (p > 0.05). The average preoperative VAS arm score was 5.89 ± 1.00 in the ACDF with UT group and 5.18 ± 1.21 in the ACDF without UT group (p = 0.038). However, the average VAS arm score was 4.22 ± 0.64, 4.06 ± 1.13 and 1.68 ± 0.71, 1.60 ± 0.70 at 1 week post operation and at final follow up, respectively, (p > 0.05). We also found that the C2-7 SVA and St-SVA at the last follow-up and their change (last follow-up value − preoperative value) in the ACDF with UT group were significantly higher than ACDF without UT group (p < 0.05). No marked differences in the other cervical sagittal parameters, fusion rate or complications, including dysphagia, ASD, and subsidence, were observed. Conclusions Our result indicates that ACDF using a zero-p implant with or without partial UT both provide satisfactory clinical efficacy and acceptable safety. However, additional partial UT may has a negative effect on cervical sagittal alignment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-569
Author(s):  
Minghao Wang ◽  
Dean Chou ◽  
Chih-Chang Chang ◽  
Ankit Hirpara ◽  
Yilin Liu ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEBoth structural allograft and PEEK have been used for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). There are reports that PEEK has a higher pseudarthrosis rate than structural allograft. The authors compared pseudarthrosis, revision, subsidence, and loss of lordosis rates in patients with PEEK and structural allograft.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of patients who were treated with ACDF at their hospital between 2005 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with either PEEK or structural allograft, anterior plate fixation, and a minimum 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were hybrid PEEK and allograft cases, additional posterior surgery, adjacent corpectomies, infection, tumor, stand-alone or integrated screw and cage devices, bone morphogenetic protein use, or lack of a minimum 2-year follow-up. Demographic variables, number of treated levels, interbody type (PEEK cage vs structural allograft), graft packing material, pseudarthrosis rates, revision surgery rates, subsidence, and cervical lordosis changes were collected. These data were analyzed by Pearson’s chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test, according to the sample size and expected value) and Student t-test.RESULTSA total of 168 patients (264 levels total, mean follow-up time 39.5 ± 24.0 months) were analyzed. Sixty-one patients had PEEK, and 107 patients had structural allograft. Pseudarthrosis rates for 1-level fusions were 5.4% (PEEK) and 3.4% (allograft) (p > 0.05); 2-level fusions were 7.1% (PEEK) and 8.1% (allograft) (p > 0.05); and ≥ 3-level fusions were 10% (PEEK) and 11.1% (allograft) (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the subsidence magnitude between PEEK and allograft in 1-, 2-, and ≥ 3-level ACDF (p > 0.05). Postoperative lordosis loss was not different between cohorts for 1- and 2-level surgeries.CONCLUSIONSIn 1- and 2-level ACDF with plating involving the same number of fusion levels, there was no statistically significant difference in the pseudarthrosis rate, revision surgery rate, subsidence, and lordosis loss between PEEK cages and structural allograft.


KYAMC Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Author(s):  
Md Anowarul Islam ◽  
Mohd Alamgir Hossain ◽  
Ahmed Asif Iqbal ◽  
Md Qumruzzaman Parvez ◽  
Md Ahsanuzzaman ◽  
...  

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is challenging with respect to both patient selection and choice of surgical procedure.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with an artificial cage made of polyetheretherketoneMaterials & Methods: From January 2012 to January 2017, 80 consecutive patients referred to the Department of spine surgery, Bangabandhu Shekh Mujib Medical University were recruited for the study. Postoperative Clinical outcome assessed with Nurick scale for myelopathy, Odom's criteria for functional outcome and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for both neck and arm pain. Radiological fusion was assessed by X-ray. Operative complications were reported.Results: 36 patients were operated for one level discectomy and fusion with PEEK cages and 44 patients for two levels. There were 48 (60%) males and 32 (40%) females. The age of the patients ranged from 30-72 years, a mean ± SD 45 ± 8.34. At the 2 years clinical follow-up, there were significant post operative improvements of Nurick scale, and VAS comparative to preoperative record. According to Odom's criteria, 72/80 patients (90%) were graded excellent-good.Conclusion: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage is an effective treatment of cervical myelopathy having higher fusion rate and lack of donor site morbidity.KYAMC Journal Vol. 9, No.-1, April 2018, Page 32-34


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-137
Author(s):  
Apel Chandra Saha ◽  
Md Hasan Masud

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive degenerative disease and the most common cause of cervical spinal cord dysfunction (SCD) in older patients. Anterior cervical discectomy andfusion (ACDF) is a common procedure for patients with severe neurological deterioration. The goals of this study were to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome, radiological fusion and operative complications in case of CSM who underwent ACDF by autogeneous-tricortical bone graft and stabilized with plate and screws. Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out at National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation ( NITOR) and different private hospitals in Dhaka from January 2012 to December 2014. Within this period total 12 CSM patients were included as study sample. All were surgically treated by ACDF and stabilized by plate and screws. All patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated before and after surgery. Results: Single level ACDF by autograft and stabilization by plate and screws was done in 10 (83.33%) patients and 2 (16.67%) patients had two level fusion. The mean follow up period was 12 months. The satisfactory result was found in 10 (83.33%) patients. Post-operative complications were donor site morbidity in2 (16.67%) patients and transient dysphagia in 1 (8.33%) patient. The fusion rate was 100% in this series. Conclusion: ACDF with anterior plating for CSM is a safe and effective procedure. It results in highest fusion, least complication and relatively lower cost. Birdem Med J 2019; 9(2): 133-137


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
ING HOW MOO ◽  
Carmen Jia Wen Kam ◽  
Maksim Wen Sheng Lai ◽  
William Yeo ◽  
Reuben Chee Cheong Soh

Abstract Background: Allografts and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages are the two most commonly used material in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, their effectiveness in in two-level ACDF remains controversial. The primary aim of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two-level ACDF with plate fixation using either a structural allograft or a PEEK cage. Methods: From 2010 to 2015, 88 consecutive patients underwent a two-level ACDF of which 53 used an allograft and 35 patients with a PEEK cage. All PEEK cages were filled with local autografts. All clinical outcomes were prospectively collected preoperatively, at six months and at two years after surgery. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using visual analogue scale for neck pain and limb pain, the Neck Pain and Disability Score, Neck Disability Index, Neurogenic Symptom Score, and the Japan Orthopedic Association score. Radiological outcomes were assessed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up. Results: A preoperative comparison revealed no difference between the two patient groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, preoperative symptoms, operated levels, and follow-up (mean= 42.8 months). No difference in improvements in the clinical outcome between the two groups was observed. Both groups showed significant improvement in mean disc height, segmental height, and segmental lordosis postoperatively. The fusion rates for PEEK cage was 100% at both levels while the fusion rates for allograft group was 98.1% at cephalad level and 94.2% at caudad level (p>0.05). Subsidence at the cephalad level occurred in 22.9% (8/35) segments in the PEEK group and 7.7% (4/52) segments in the allograft group (p=0.057). At the caudal level, a higher cage subsidence was noted in the PEEK group compared to the allograft group [37.1% (13/35) versus 15.4% (8/52)] (p=0.02). Overall, subsidence was noted in 30% (21/70) of the PEEK group and in 11% (12/104) of the allograft group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The use of PEEK cages resulted in a higher rate of subsidence in two-level ACDF as compared to allograft. Two-level ACDF using either allografts or PEEK cages resulted in similar clinical outcomes, radiological improvements in alignment and fusion rates.


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