Some Experiences of Anterior Cervical Fusion

Abstract

In treating cervical spondylosis, we first, chose concervative therapy such as head halter traction, cervical brace and medication.In 14 cases not improved by these conservative metods we, after determining the exact level of the spondylosis, performed the operation of “anterior cervical fusion”.One of the most important factors in performing anterior cervical fusion is to decide the correct level of the spondylosis as this procedure affects the success of the operation.It is relatively easy to decide the level if the plain-X ray shows the degeneration in only one vertebra. However, if it reveals degenerative findings in more than one, it becomes necessaary to perform further investigations such as Musle Testig, EMG, Myelography, and Discography, during operation, in addtion to the clinical neurogical examinations. We did not perform fusion of more than two intervertebral spaces.