Abstract
Anterior interbody grafts are prone to displacement if there is posterior instability or gross deformity of the vertebral body. Twenty-one patients treated with anterior interbody fusion for cervical vertebral fractures and dislocations were studied. Twelve of the fractures were considered unstable preoperatively, and 50% of this group treated with anterior stabilization had graft migration postoperatively. If anterior fusion is used in unstable cervical fractures then posterior stabilization or complete bed rest with effective external stabilization (i.e., tongs or Halo-thoracic brace) for 4 weeks is mandatory. The other alternative is posterior stabilization before anterior decompression. In the presence of posterior instability, anterior interbody fusion alone cannot be recommended as the treatment of choice for cervical fractures.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
