STAND-ALONE PEEK CAGE FOR SINGLE LEVEL CERVICAL DISC DISEASE SHORT TERM RESULTS.

Abstract

The Enthusiasm for Cervical cages in cervical fusion operations is an effort to avoid the morbidity associated with autogenous bone graft harvesting. The goal of the current study was to assess the reliability and efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a PEEK cage filled with hydroxyapatite granules in the treatment of single level disc affection. 19 patients affected by single-level cervical disc disease were included in this study. The clinical findings were assessed according to Odom’s criteria at last follow-up. Cervical spine segmental sagittal alignment was evaluated preoperative, direct postoperative and 12 months later. 19 patients underwent ACDF using a PEEK cervical cage. The clinical assessment according to Odom’s criteria after 12 months was excellent in 50%, good in 24% patients, fair in 11% and 15 poor clinical results. The mean segmental lordosis before surgery was 2°, corrected to - 6.6° immediately postoperative. The final mean segmental lordosis was 3.3°; the loss of correction was 3.5°. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a stand-alone PEEK cage can be considered a safe and effective technique for the management of single level cervical disc disease.