Radiographic and clinical outcomes following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and allograft fusion without plate placement or cervical collar

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 420-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Jagannathan ◽  
Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽  
Rod J. Oskouian ◽  
Aaron S. Dumont ◽  
Christian Herrold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Radiographic Evidence ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Graft Migration

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 ≥ 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°), 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.

Banked fibula and the locking anterior cervical plate in anterior cervical fusions following cervical discectomy

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Iliac Crest ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cervical Plate

✓ Eighty-eight consecutive patients underwent anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) with banked fibula fusion and internal fixation using the locking cervical plate. Pathology included cervical spondylotic radiculopathy in 48, cervical spondylotic radiculomyelopathy in 30, cervical facet dislocations with associated disc herniations in six, and autologous iliac crest graft collapse pseudoarthrosis with recurrent symptoms in four patients. Operations were single-level banked fibula fusion with plating in 37, multilevel banked fibula fusion with plating in 45, and combined single-level ACD banked fibula fusion with plating and posterior fusion in six patients. The only perioperative complication was transient hoarseness. There were no transfusions, infections, neurological injuries, or deaths. The mean time in the hospital for the nontraumatic cases was 1.8 days. The mean follow up was 22 months (range 12–30 months). There has been no motion at the fused level on flexion/extension films, no kyphosis, no screw plate backout, and no banked fibula has suffered graft collapse. Following a high-speed motor vehicle accident 6 months after a multilevel fusion, one alcoholic man suffered a fractured plate with transient worsening of neck pain, and the plate has remained in place for an additional 11 months of follow-up care. Compared to 100 consecutive autologous iliac crest fusions performed by the same surgeon, there were significantly fewer graft-related complications (p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater chance of autologous iliac crest collapsing with the passage of time as compared to banked fibula. Time until return to work was shorter by 5 weeks for the plate/banked fibula group (p < 0.05). When fusion is considered following ACD, the combination of banked fibula and locking cervical plates is significantly superior to autologous iliac crest grafts.

scholarly journals Traumatic Cervical Unilateral and Bilateral Facet Dislocations Treated With Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Has a Low Failure Rate

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza K. Anissipour ◽  
Julie Agel ◽  
Matthew Baron ◽  
Erik Magnusson ◽  
Carlo Bellabarba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Surgical Data ◽  
Facet Fracture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cervical Facet

Study Design: Retrospective radiographic and chart review. Objective: To define the rate and associated risk factors of treatment failure of anterior cervical fusion for treatment of cervical facet dislocations. Methods: Between 2004 and 2014, a retrospective review at a single level 1 trauma center identified 38 patients with unilateral or bilateral dislocated facet(s) treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Two patients were eliminated due to less than 30-day follow-up. Demographic data, initial neurological exams, surgical data, radiographic findings, and follow-up records were reviewed. Results: Of the 36 patients with facet dislocations treated with ACDF using a fixed locking plate, 16 were unilateral and 20 were bilateral. The mean age was 35 years (range 13-58). Mean follow-up was 323 days (range 30-1998). There were 3 treatment failures (8%). Three of 7 (43%) endplate fractures failed ( P < .01), and 1/28 (4%) facet fractures failed ( P = .13). The mean time to failure was 4 weeks (1-7 weeks). One treatment failure had a facet fracture, and all 3 failures had an associated endplate fracture. Conclusion: Treatment failure occurred in 3 out of 36 (8%) patients with facet fracture dislocations treated with anterior cervical discectomy, fusion, and plating. Rates of failure are lower than has been previously reported. Endplate fractures of the inferior level in jumped facets appears to be a major risk factor of biomechanical failure. However, a facet fracture may not be a risk factor for failure. In the absence of an endplate fracture, ACDF is a reasonable treatment option in patients with single-level cervical facet dislocation.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion involving a polyetheretherketone spacer and bone morphogenetic protein

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxwell Boakye ◽  
Praveen V. Mummaneni ◽  
Mark Garrett ◽  
Gerald Rodts ◽  
Regis Haid
Keyword(s):  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors reviewed clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients who had undergone anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) involving the placement of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) spacers filled with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)—2. Methods. Data obtained in 24 cases were retrospectively evaluated. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 16 months (mean 13 months). Fifteen patients presented with radiculopathy, eight with myeloradiculopathy, and one with quadriparesis. Single-level ACDF was performed in 12 patients, two-level ACDF in nine, and three-level ACDF in three. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Odom criteria, and fusion was assessed by examining flexion—extension radiographs and computerized tomography scans in cases in which arthrodesis was questionable. Follow-up data were available for 23 patients. One patient died of medical complications unrelated to surgery 4 weeks after ACDF. Clinical outcomes were rated as good/excellent in 22 patients (95%) and fair in one (5%). Solid radiographically documented fusion, with evidence of solid bridging bone and no instability on flexion—extension x-ray films, was present in all cases. Complications included transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in one case, transient C-5 paresis in one, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in one, and transient dysphagia in two. Conclusions. Analysis of the results indicated that ACDF involving an rhBMP-2—filled PEEK spacer leads to good clinical outcomes (by Odum criteria) and solid fusion (even in multilevel cases) while avoiding the complications associated with harvesting iliac crest bone grafts.

Albert Dereymaeker and Joseph Cyriel Mulier’s description of anterior cervical discectomy with fusion in 1955

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald H. M. A. Bartels ◽  
Jan Goffin
Keyword(s):  
French Literature ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Subsequent Paper ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Space ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Iliac Crest Graft ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Time Period

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is a very well-known and often-performed procedure in the practice of spine surgeons. The earliest descriptions of the technique have always been attributed to Cloward, Smith, and Robinson. However, in the French literature, this procedure was also described by others during the exact same time period (in the 1950s).At a meeting in Paris in 1955, Belgians Albert Dereymaeker and Joseph Cyriel Mulier, a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon, respectively, described the technique that involved an anterior cervical discectomy and the placement of an iliac crest graft in the intervertebral disc space. In 1956, a summary of their oral presentation was published, and a subsequent paper—an illustrated description of the technique and the details of a larger case series with a 3.5-year follow-up period—followed in 1958.The list of authors who first described ACDF should be completed by adding Dereymaeker’s and Mulier’s names. They made an important contribution to the practice of spinal surgery that was not generally known because they published in French.

scholarly journals Biomechanical Analysis of an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Pseudarthrosis Model Revised With Machined Interfacet Allograft Spacers

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 973-981
Author(s):  
Raymond J. Hah ◽  
Ram Alluri ◽  
Paul A. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Potential Applications

Study Design: Biomechanics study. Objectives: To evaluate the biomechanical advantage of interfacet allograft spacers in an unstable single-level and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) pseudoarthrosis model. Methods: Nine single-level and 8 two-level ACDF constructs were tested. Range of motion in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) at 1.5 N m were collected in 4 testing configurations: (1) intact spine, (2) ACDF with interbody graft and plate/screw, (3) ACDF with interbody graft and plate/loosened screws (loose condition), and (4) ACDF with interbody graft and plate/loosened screws supplemented with interfacet allograft spacers (rescue condition). Results: All fixation configurations resulted in statistically significant decreases in range of motion in all bending planes compared with the intact spine ( P < .05). One Level. Performing ACDF with interbody graft and plate on the intact spine reduced FE, LB, and AR 60.0%, 64.9%, and 72.9%, respectively. Loosening the ACDF screws decreased these reductions to 40.9%, 44.6%, and 52.1%. The addition of interfacet allograft spacers to the loose condition increased these reductions to 74.0%, 84.1%, and 82.1%. Two Level. Performing ACDF with interbody graft and plate on the intact spine reduced FE, LB, and AR 72.0%, 71.1%, and 71.2%, respectively. Loosening the ACDF screws decreased these reductions to 55.4%, 55.3%, and 51.3%. The addition of interfacet allograft spacers to the loose condition significantly increased these reductions to 82.6%, 91.2%, and 89.3% ( P < .05). Conclusions: Supplementation of a loose ACDF construct (pseudarthrosis model) with interfacet allograft spacers significantly increases stability and has potential applications in treating cervical pseudarthrosis.

scholarly journals Pseudarthrosis rate following anterior cervical discectomy with fusion using an allograft cellular bone matrix: a multi-institutional analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. E6
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Bergin ◽  
Timothy Y. Wang ◽  
Christine Park ◽  
Shashank Rajkumar ◽  
C. Rory Goodwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Spine Surgery ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Index Level ◽  
Instrumentation Failure

OBJECTIVE The use of osteobiologics, engineered materials designed to promote bone healing by enhancing bone growth, is becoming increasingly common for spinal fusion procedures, but the efficacy of some of these products is unclear. The authors performed a retrospective, multi-institutional study to investigate the clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy with fusion performed using the osteobiologic agent Osteocel, an allograft mesenchymal stem cell matrix. METHODS The medical records across 3 medical centers and 12 spine surgeons were retrospectively queried for patients undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the use of Osteocel. Pseudarthrosis was determined based on CT or radiographic imaging of the cervical spine. Patients were determined to have radiographic pseudarthrosis if they met any of the following criteria: 1) lack of bridging bone on CT obtained > 300 days postoperatively, 2) evidence of instrumentation failure, or 3) motion across the index level as seen on flexion-extension cervical spine radiographs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were then performed to identify independent preoperative or perioperative predictors of pseudarthrosis in this population. RESULTS A total of 326 patients met the inclusion criteria; 43 (13.2%) patients met criteria for pseudarthrosis, of whom 15 (34.9%) underwent revision surgery. There were no significant differences between patients with and those without pseudarthrosis, respectively, for patient age (54.1 vs 53.8 years), sex (34.9% vs 47.4% male), race, prior cervical spine surgery (37.2% vs 33.6%), tobacco abuse (16.3% vs 14.5%), chronic kidney disease (2.3% vs 2.8%), and diabetes (18.6% vs 14.5%) (p > 0.05). Presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis (16.3% vs 3.5%) was associated with pseudarthrosis (p < 0.001). Implant type was also significantly associated with pseudarthrosis, with a 16.4% rate of pseudarthrosis for patients with polyetherethereketone (PEEK) implants versus 8.4% for patients with allograft implants (p = 0.04). Average lengths of follow-up were 27.6 and 23.8 months for patients with and those without pseudarthrosis, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated osteopenia or osteoporosis (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.51–16.4, p < 0.01) and usage of PEEK implant (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.04–4.83, p = 0.04) as independent predictors of pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS In patients who underwent single-level ACDF, rates of pseudarthrosis associated with the use of the osteobiologic agent Osteocel are higher than the literature-reported rates associated with the use of alternative osteobiologics. This is especially true when Osteocel is combined with a PEEK implant.

scholarly journals PEEK interbody devices for multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: association with more than 6-fold higher rates of pseudarthrosis compared to structural allograft

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 696-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe E. Teton ◽  
Barry Cheaney ◽  
James T. Obayashi ◽  
Khoi D. Than
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Radiographic Evidence ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Structural Allograft

OBJECTIVECommon interbody graft options for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) include allograft and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK has gained popularity due to its radiolucent properties and a modulus of elasticity similar to that of bone. PEEK devices also result in higher billing costs than allograft, which may drive selection. A previous study found a 5-fold higher rate of pseudarthrosis with the use of PEEK devices compared with structural allograft in single-level ACDF. Here the authors report on the occurrence of pseudarthrosis with PEEK devices versus structural allograft in patients who underwent multilevel ACDF.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed 81 consecutive patients who underwent a multilevel ACDF and had radiographic follow-up for at least 1 year. Data were collected on age, sex, BMI, tobacco use, pseudarthrosis, and rate of reoperation for pseudarthrosis. Logistic regression was used for data analysis.RESULTSOf 81 patients, 35 had PEEK implants and 46 had structural allograft. There were no significant differences between age, sex, smoking status, or BMI in the 2 groups. There were 26/35 (74%) patients with PEEK implants who demonstrated radiographic evidence of pseudarthrosis, compared with 5/46 (11%) patients with structural allograft (p < 0.001, OR 22.2). Five patients (14%) with PEEK implants required reoperation for pseudarthrosis, compared with 0 patients with allograft (p = 0.013).CONCLUSIONSThis study reinforces previous findings on 1-level ACDF outcomes and suggests that the use of PEEK in multilevel ACDF results in statistically significantly higher rates of radiographic pseudarthrosis and need for revision surgery than allograft. Surgeons should consider these findings when determining graft options, and reimbursement policies should reflect these discrepancies.

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