THE EFFECT OF PLATE AND SCREWS ON SINGLE-LEVEL ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY AND FUSION

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with cage and plate in patients with degenerative spondylosis. Methods: A prospective study. Patients were performed this technique between August 2013 and October 2017. Radiographic follow-up included static and flexion/extension radiographs obtained to assess fusion, focal and segmental kyphosis, and change in disc space height. The Odom’s criteria and NDI were used to assess outcomes at most recent follow-up. Results: Twenty-two patients with singlelevel degenerative spondylosis underwent ACDF with cage and plate during the study period. The mean duration of follow-up was 17.6 ± 7.3 months. Radiographic evidence of fusion was present in 21 patients (95.5%). The focal alignment at operated level on postoperative radiographs was slightly changed (mean α2 was 4.30 ± 5.50) and segment alignment was a little increased lordosis with mean Cobb angle β2 was 15.70 ± 12.40. Mean decrease in disc space height was 5.4 ± 2.4%. Six patients (27.3%) had dysphagia. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had excellent results according to Odom’s criteria. The mean post-operation NDI score was 5.1 ± 5.8 (median 2.5 range 1-21). Conclusions: Single-level ACDF with cage and plate for cervical spondylosis is an effective treatment, achieves high rate of fusion and preserves the alignments of cervical spine. Key words: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, cervical spondylosis