Outcome Analysis of Single Level Anterior Cervical Fusion using Interbody PEEK Cage with Autologous Iliac Bone Graft

Abstract

Purpose: Anterior cervical fusion with a tricortical iliac bone graft is a well established procedure for treating degenerative cervical spine disease. An interbody cage has been used to prevent donor site morbidity but there are few reports on the clinical and radiological outcome. Materials and Methods: Thirty eight patients, who underwent single level ACDF with PEEK interbody Soliscage (Stryker spine, South Allendale, NJ, USA), were enrolled in this study. This study evaluated Odom’s criteria and visual analogue scale (VAS) for the neck, arm and donor site pain, and the radiological findings, including the disk height, cage subsidence, and sagittal alignment of cervical spine. Results: The mean disk height loss was 1.1 mm during the follow up period. Case subsidence ＞2 mm developed in 17 cases (44.7%). The mean subsidence of this group was 3.09 mm. The bone union rate was 95% at 12 weeks. There was no significant change in the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine. The VAS for neck, arm, and donor site pain improved all cases. Only 9 patients complained of mild discomfort at the donor site Conclusion: Single-level ACDF using PEEK interbody cage has a lack of donor site morbidity, excellent clinical outcomes and bone union. However, more study of the factors related to postoperative cage subsidence will be needed.