The Outcome of Subaxial Cervical Injury in Adult Patients Managed Surgically Through an Anterior Approach

Abstract

Objectives: We determined the Outcome of subaxial cervical injury management in adults through anterior approach open reduction and fixation injury < 72 hours.
 Material and Methods: A total of 71 patients declared to have a recent chronicle of traumatic cervical spine injury with a conventional diagnosis of subaxial injury by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-Ray anteroposterior and lateral views. ASIA Impairment Scale was used for assessment and was done at the time of admission and after six months.
 Results: Mean age of the patients in our study was 38.54 ± 5.47 years. According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, improvement by two grades was seen in 18 cases and improvement by one – grade was observed in 48 cases. Mortality was seen in 5 cases, where 2 deaths were related to associated injury, one related to a complication of surgery and other 2 died due to aspiration complications. Out of 66 cases, the outcome was good in 49 (74.29%) and fair in 17 (25.76%).
 Conclusion: The study results revealed that Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is considered to be a better treatment choice for better anatomical stabilization of the spine with early reduction.
 Keywords: Subaxial cervical injury, anterior approach, ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) scoring.