Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Research Articles

No Difference in Two-Year Revisions Between Hybrid Fusion and Two-Level Anterior Discectomy and Fusion: A National Database Study.

Retrospective Cohort. This study utilized a large national database to compare two-year revision rates, in addition to complications and costs, of hybrid surgery (HS) compared to two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). This study used the PearlDiver Mariner dataset selecting for patients aged 18 and older who had at least 90-day active longitudinal follow-up who underwent two-level ACDF or two-level Hybrid surgery (single level ACDF and single level CDA). Patients with prior spinal trauma, infection, cancer, or posterior fusion were excluded. Primary outcomes measures were 90-day major and minor medical complications, ED visits, readmissions, as well as two-year revisions. Patients were also assessed for postoperative dysphagia, incidental durotomy, vascular injury, 90-day surgical site, and implant complications. Additionally, hospitalization and postoperative costs were evaluated. There were 4570 two-level ACDF surgeries and 888 hybrid surgeries. After matching the cohorts, no statistical differences in demographics were found. There were no differences in reoperation rates at all measured time points nor 2-year complications. HS had a lower incidence of major (1.6% vs 3.1%, P = .003) and minor complications (3.0% vs 4.6%, P = .009) than ACDF. 90-day readmission was lower in the HS cohort (2.8% vs 4.2%), P = .024. HS was associated with reduced hospitalization costs -$2614 (-$3916 to -$904, P < .001). 3516 patients had ACDF, and 699 had HS with at least 2years of follow-up. Hybrid surgery is a safe and effective surgical treatment for cervical disease in appropriately selected patients.

Soft Cervical Orthosis Use Does Not Improve Fusion Rates After One-Level and Two-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

To determine if postoperative soft cervical orthosis use affects arthrodesis rates on a per-level or construct basis after 1-level and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Electronic medical records were queried for 1-level and 2-level primary ACDF between 2016 and 2019 at a single academic center. Surgeons prescribed either a soft cervical orthosis or no orthosis. Pseudarthrosis rates were evaluated by dynamic cervical spine radiographs with arthrodesis defined by <1 mm of interspinous motion. Continuous and categorical data were compared using analysis of variance or χ2 tests. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine independent predictors of pseudarthrosis. A total of 316 unique patients (504 instrumented levels) met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-four percent of patients were prescribed a soft cervical orthosis. Overall, arthrodesis occurred at 344 (80.9%) and 62 (78%) levels in patients with and without cervical orthosis, respectively. When evaluating patients placed in a cervical orthosis versus those who were not, there were no differences in pseudarthrosis or revision rates. Further, there were no differences in pseudarthrosis on a per-level basis. Further, cervical orthosis use was not an independent predictor of pseudarthrosis (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.57; P=0.623) on multivariate analysis. Postoperative placement of soft cervical orthoses after 1-level or 2-level ACDF was not associated with improved arthrodesis or reduced rate of revision surgery.

Comparison of 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and open-door laminoplasty in cervical sagittal balance: A retrospective study.

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy and radiological outcomes of 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and open-door laminoplasty (LP).MethodsA total of 74 patients from January 2017 to January 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were two groups. Group A (30 cases) received 3-level ACDF, while Group B (44 cases) received open-door LP. Clinical evaluation included perioperative parameters, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Radiological evaluation included cervical curve depth (CCD), C2–7 angle, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), C7 slope (C7S), and T1 slope (T1S).ResultsPerioperative parameters such as blood loss, drainage volume after surgery, and hospital stay of patients in Group A were significantly less than those in Group B (P < .001). NDI scores decreased and JOA scores increased significantly after surgery in both groups (P < .05). There was a significant difference in both scores postoperatively and at 1 month after surgery between the two groups (P < .05). CCD and C2–7 angle of Group A increased significantly postoperatively at 1 month after surgery and at final follow-up (FFU) (P < .05). There was a significant difference in CCD and the C2–7 angle between the two groups postoperatively at 1 month after surgery and at FFU (P < .05). T1S increased significantly in Group A postoperatively and at 1 month after surgery (P < .05).Conclusion3-level ACDF and open-door LP achieved favorable clinical outcomes and ACDF benefited patients in the early stage of rehabilitation. Compared with open-door LP, 3-level ACDF had advantages of reconstructing cervical lordosis with increased CCD and C2–7 angle.

138. Racial disparities in utilization of and short-term outcomes following cervical disc replacement vs anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

138. Racial disparities in utilization of and short-term outcomes following cervical disc replacement vs anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

P94. Years of experience and primary specialty are correlated with total cost of ACDF surgeries for Medicare beneficiaries

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> The high costs of spine surgery are multifactorial. Many studies suggest hospital, geographic, surgeon and patient-specific factors impact the cost of spine surgical care, but results vary significantly between studies using different datasets. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> Our goal was to identify the factors correlated with total costs for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing one of the most common spine surgical procedures, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective cohort study. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> We identified all patients undergoing ACDF (CPT code 22551) from the 20% sample Medicare carrier files from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015 (n = 15,456). Subjects were stratified by number of levels operated on. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Variables collected including hospital location, number of beds and wage index; patient age, sex, race and length of stay; physician industry payments, years since medical school and primary specialty. Outcomes were predictors of total cost and operating room cost of ACDF, and patient length of stay. <h3>METHODS</h3> Medicare carrier and MedPAR files were used to find the total charge, operating room charge and length of stay of each ACDF procedure. Charges were converted to costs using the hospital-specific cost-to-charge ratios from the IPPS Impact Files for each year. The Open Payments database and NPI National Downloadable File were used to identify the operating surgeon for each ACDF procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify patient-specific, hospital-specific and physician-specific factors associated with changes in cost of ACDF or patient length of stay. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Matching across all relevant files resulted in 5,202 1-level ACDF Medicare claims. The mean total cost for a 1-level ACDF from 2013-2015 was $13,592 (+/- $5,324). Multiple linear regression found that, after controlling for patient and hospital factors, the total cost of a 1-level ACDF was $677 higher when performed by an orthopedic surgeon than a neurosurgeon (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression also found a significant negative association between years since the surgeon graduated medical school and total hospital cost of 1-level ACDF (p < 0.001). A significant positive association was found between hospital wage index and total cost of 1-level ACDF (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between total ACDF cost and patient age, race or sex. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Our multivariate analysis of hospital, surgeon, and patient-specific factors identifies that surgeon's primary specialty, surgeon's years of experience, and hospital wage index are significant factors impacting the total cost of ACDF surgery for Medicare beneficiaries. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Comparison of Fusion versus Nonunion After 4-Level and 5-Level Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion With Anterior Plate Fixation.

Nonunion remains a concern in multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), yet there are limited data on nonunion after 4 to 5-level ACDF. In fact, the largest series on 4-level or 5-level ACDF focused specifically on the swallowing outcomes. To assess nonunion after 4 to 5-level ACDF. Forty-one patients treated with 4 to 5-level ACDF with minimum of 12-month radiographic follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Nonunion was found in 25 patients (61%) and 42 levels (25%) and complete fusion in 16 (39%) patients and 126 levels (75%). The 2 groups were further compared. One-level nonunion was by far the most common pattern compared with multilevel nonunion. Nonunion occurred more frequently at the caudal than the cranial or middle segments ( P < .0001). There were significantly more subsidence ( P < .0001) and screw fractures/pullouts ( P < .0001) in the nonunion compared with the fusion group. The symptomatic patients were significantly younger than the asymptomatic patients ( P = .044). The symptomatic levels were significantly more than asymptomatic levels ( P = .048). Equal proportion of patients implanted with allograft and polyetheretherketone had nonunion. However, there were markedly more nonunion than fused levels with allograft and more fused than nonunion levels with polyetheretherketone ( P = .023). The reoperation rate was 24.4% and mostly due to nonunion. There were no reoperations within 90 days of the primary surgery. The nonunion rate for 4-level and 5-level ACDF may be higher than previously reported. Symptomatic nonunion remains a major reason for reoperation after multilevel ACDF. Baseline characteristics that negatively affect fusion may be obviated by careful patient selection.

The Variability and Contributions to Cost of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Constructs.

This was a retrospective cohort study. To characterize the variability in cost for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) constructs and to identify key predictors of procedural cost. ACDF is commonly performed for surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. Numerous biomechanical constructs and graft/biological options are available, with most demonstrating relatively equivalent clinical results. Despite the substantial focus on value in spine care, the differences and contributions to procedural cost in ACDF have not been well defined. We evaluated the records of patients who underwent a single level ACDF from 2016 to 2020 at 4 hospitals in a major metropolitan area. We abstracted demographics, insurance status, operative time, diagnosis, surgeon, institution, and components of procedural costs. Costs based on construct were compared using multivariable adjusted analyses using negative binomial regression. The primary outcome measures were cost differences between ACDF techniques. Two hundred sixty-four patients were included, with procedures by 13 surgeons across 4 institutions. The total procedural cost for ACDF had a mean of US$2317 with wide variation (range, US$967-US$7370). Multivariable analysis revealed body mass index and use of polyether ether ketone to be correlated with increased cost while carbon fiber and autograft correlated with decreased cost. When comparing standalone device constructs to cases with anterior instrumentation (plate/screws), the total cost was significantly higher in the plate/screw group (US$2686±US$921 vs. US$1466±US$878, P <0.001). We encountered wide variation in procedural costs associated with ACDF, including as much as an 8-fold difference in the cost of constructs. The most important drivers included instrumentation type and implant materials. Here, we identify potential targets of opportunity for health care organizations that are looking to reduce variance in procedural expenditures to improve health care savings associated with the performance of ACDF.

Choose Wisely: Surgical Selection of Candidates for Outpatient Anterior Cervical Surgery Based on Early Complications Among Inpatients.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) are attractive targets for transition to the outpatient setting. We assessed the prevalence of rapid responses and major complications in the inpatient setting following 1 or 2-level ACDFs and CDAs. We evaluated factors that may place patients at greater risk for a rapid response or a postoperative complication. This was an institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study of adults undergoing 1 or 2-level ACDF or CDA at 1 hospital over a 2-year period (2018 and 2019). Data on patient demographic characteristics, surgical procedures, and comorbidities were collected. Rapid response events were identified by hospital floor staff and involved acute changes in a patient's clinical condition. Complications were events that were life-threatening, required an intervention, or led to delayed hospital discharge. In this study, 1,040 patients were included: 888 underwent ACDF and 152 underwent CDA. Thirty-six patients (3.5%) experienced a rapid response event; 22% occurred >24 hours after extubation. Patients having a rapid response event had a significantly higher risk of developing a complication (risk ratio, 10; p < 0.01) and had a significantly longer hospital stay. Twenty-four patients (2.3%) experienced acute complications; 71% occurred >6 hours after extubation. Patients with a complication were older and more likely to be current or former smokers, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, have asthma, and have an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of >2. The length of the surgical procedure was significantly longer in patients who developed a complication. All patients who developed dysphagia had a surgical procedure involving C4-C5 or more cephalad. Patients with a rapid response event or complication were more commonly undergoing revision surgical procedures. Rapid response and complications are uncommon following 1 or 2-level ACDFs or CDAs but portend a longer hospital stay and increased morbidity. Revision surgical procedures place patients at higher risk for rapid responses and complications. Additionally, older patients, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, patients who are current or former smokers, and patients who have an ASA score of ≥3 are at increased risk for postoperative complications. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Dysphagia May Attenuate Improvements in Postoperative Outcomes Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Past studies outline potential risk factors for dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Few studies explored the impact of dysphagia, as measured by the swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL), on postoperative patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) improvement. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dysphagia and improvement in pain, disability, physical function, and mental health following ACDF. A retrospective review of patients undergoing primary 1- or 2-level ACDF was performed. Individuals without a completed preoperative SWAL-QOL were excluded. Outcomes were collected for visual analog scale (VAS) neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), 12-Item Short Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and SWAL-QOL. Postoperative improvement from preoperative values was evaluated using a paired t test. The impact of SWAL-QOL on each PROM was assessed using linear regression. A total of 91 patients were included. Mean preoperative SWAL-QoL was 90.4, which worsened at 6 weeks and resolved by 6 months (P ≤ 0.007, both). VAS neck and arm scores significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.001), as did the NDI score (P < 0.001). Physical function significantly improved at 12 weeks and 6 months (P ≤ 0.021, both). Depressive symptoms improved at 6 weeks and 12 weeks (P ≤ 0.007, both). Preoperatively, SWAL-QOL demonstrated significant relationships with all PROMs (P ≤ 0.005, all). At 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months (P ≤ 0.048, all), SWAL-QoL again demonstrated a similar significant association with all PROMs. Multiple regression did not demonstrate common demographic or operative variables that were significant predictors of PROMs. Following ACDF, patients experienced a worsening of dysphagia but resolved by 12 weeks. All PROMs demonstrated significant improvements by the 6-month timepoint, except for PHQ-9. SWAL-QoL demonstrated a significant effect on all postoperative outcomes, which may suggest that this questionnaire could effectively evaluate dysphagia and predict positive or negative outcomes following ACDF. 3 CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The severity of dysphagia has a significant association with pain, disability, mental health, and physical function patient-reported outcome measures in patients undergoing ACDF.

Perioperative Chanage in Cervical Lordosis and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes.

Surgeons have scrutinized spinal alignment and its impact on improving clinical outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The primary analysis of this study examines the relationship between change in perioperative cervical lordosis (CL) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes after ACDF. Secondary analysis evaluates the effects of fusion construct length on outcomes in patients grouped by preoperative cervical alignment. A retrospective cohort study was performed on an institutional database including patients who underwent 1- to 3-level ACDF. C2-C7 CL was measured preoperatively and at final follow-up. For primary analysis, patients were classified based on their perioperative cervical lordotic correction: (1) kyphotic, (2) maintained, and (3) restored. For secondary analysis, patients were categorized based on their preoperative C2-C7 CL: (1) kyphotic, (2) neutral, and (3) lordotic. Demographics and perioperative change in patient-reported outcome measures were compared between groups. A total of 308 patients were included. A significant difference was noted among maintained, restored, and kyphotic groups in terms of delta physical compositeshort form-12 score (ΔPCS-12) (9.0 vs 10.3 vs 1.5; P = 0.04) and delta visual analog scale score (ΔVAS) for arm pain (-0.9 vs -3.8 vs -0.6; P = 0.03). Regression analysis revealed significantly greater improvement of PCS-12 (β: 8.6; P = 0.03) and VAS arm (β: -2.0; P = 0.03) scores in restored patients compared with kyphotic patients. The length of fusion construct in patients grouped by preoperative cervical alignment had no significant impact on the clinical outcomes on regression analysis. Significantly greater PCS-12 and VAS arm improvement were seen in patients whose cervical sagittal alignment was restored to neutral/lordotic compared with those who remained kyphotic. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no association between construct length and perioperative outcomes. The results of this study highlight the importance of sagittal alignment and restoration of CL after short-segment ACDF. Irrespective of preoperative sagittal alignment, the length of ACDF fusion construct does not have a significant impact on clinical outcomes.

Cervical Alignment Analysis Comparing Two-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty with Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Anterior Plate Fixation

This study assesses cervical alignments after 2-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with anterior plate fixation. Eighty-two patients who underwent 2-level CDA or ACDF in 2014-2019 were identified. Cervical alignment parameters were compared between the 2 cohorts. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine factors that differentiate alignment outcomes between the 2 procedures. Although both cohorts achieved significant focal lordosis (FL) and overall cervical lordotic (CL) gains, CDA cohorts achieved significantly greater 12-month FL gain (P= 0.022). However, in a multivariate analysis controlling for preoperative variables, FL gain was no longer significant. Although the CDA cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) significantly improved at 3 (P= 0.030) and 12 (P= 0.007) months, these improvements were not superior to the ACDF cSVA. Male patients undergoing CDA achieved greater 12-month CL gain. Patients undergoing CDA with body mass index >25 kg/m2 achieved greater 12-month FL gain. Patients undergoing CDA with symptom duration >12 months achieved greater FL gain at 3 and 12 months. Patients undergoing CDA with high baseline T1 slope or cSVA achieved greater 12-month cSVA reduction. Clinical outcomes were comparable between the 2 cohorts. Unlike the ACDF group, CL gain in the CDA group was significantly correlated with the cSVA reduction, which was associated with significant improvement in the Neck Disability Index, arm pain, and 12-Item Short-Form Mental Component Scores. Heterotopic ossification was not found to significantly affect patient outcome and cervical alignment in both cohorts. ACDF and CDA are viable options for 2-level degenerative disc disease in carefully selected patients. Both approaches produced equivalent postoperative alignment changes in a 2-level operation.

A New Potential Complication in 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Zero-Profile Devices: Collapse of the Middle Cervical Vertebra

The objective of this study was to describe a new potential complication, collapse in the middle cervical vertebra of consecutive 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), and discuss its possible mechanism. Clinical and radiologic outcome data from 27 consecutive 2-level ACDF patients using zero-profile devices were collected at 1, 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively, as well as the last follow-up. Dysphagia was assessed using the Bazaz score, and clinical outcomes were analyzed using the neck disability index and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. Radiographic evaluation included measurements of the overall and surgical segment curvature, identification of collapse, and assessment of the ratio of anterior height and wedge of the upper, middle, and lower vertebrae in the surgical segment. The application of zero-profile devices to treat consecutive 2-level cervical spondylosis mostly resulted in good midterm clinical outcomes. Surprisingly, as evidenced by the significantly decreased anterior height and wedge ratio of the middle cervical vertebra, collapse was noted immediately in the middle vertebra in 4 patients at 1month (n=3) and 3months (n=1). The collapse increased for no more than 6months, and there was no deterioration of clinical and radiological outcomes at the last follow-up. Collapse in the middle cervical vertebra of consecutive 2-level ACDF with the application of zero-profile devices can occur in the early postoperative period, which may be due to axial stress concentration and blood supply damage in the middle cervical vertebral body.

Preoperative opiate use leads to increased postoperative opiate use and readmissions after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Determine effects of pre-operative opiate use on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery outcomes. The study design was a single center retrospective cohort study. Patient records were reviewed from 2013 and 2018 for elective 1 to 2 level ACDF surgeries. Patients were classified as: opiate naive (ON: no history of opiate) use, acute opiate (AO: <6 months preoperatively) use, and chronic opiate (CO: 6-12 months preoperatively) use based on prescription history before surgery. Opiate use was quantified by milligram morphine equivalents (MME) at 6-12 months preop, 0-6 months preop, 0-6 months postop, and 6-12 months postop. Charts were reviewed for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification and smoking history. Readmission rates were 9.8% for ON, 9.1% for AO, and 30% for CO (P value <0.05). Average opiate use measured in MME 6-12 months post-surgery was 5.76 for ON, 18.44 for AO, and 39.92 for CO (P value <0.05). Readmission rate between nonsmokers, former smokers, and active smokers was 4.4%, 0%, and 10.8% (P value <0.05) at 30-90 days post-surgery, and 1.1%, 14.5%, and 2.5% (P value <0.05) in the 91 days to 1-year post-surgery. There is statistically significant relationship between CO and higher readmission rates after ACDF. Preoperative opiate use is also associated with increased opiate use 6-12 months after surgery. Smoking history is also associated with increased readmission rates.

Does Preoperative Bone Mineral Density Impact Fusion Success in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery? A Prospective Cohort Study

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a focus on the role of bone mineral density (BMD) on arthrodesis. We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing 1- to 4-level ACDF for degenerative indications between 2012 and 2018 at a single institution. All patients were required to have undergone a preoperative dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Fusion status was assessed on computed tomography (CT) scans obtained 1 year postoperatively. Patients were divided into subgroups based on fusion status and compared on the basis of demographic, BMD, and surgical variables to determine risk factors for pseudarthrosis. We identified 79 patients for inclusion in this study. Fusion was achieved in 65 patients (82%), while 14 patients (18%) developed pseudarthrosis. The pseudarthrosissubgroup demonstrated significantly lower BMD than their counterparts who achieved successful fusion in both mean hip (-1.4 ± 1.2 vs. -0.2 ± 1.2, respectively; P= 0.002) and spine T-scores (-0.8 ± 1.8 vs. 0.6 ± 1.9, respectively; P= 0.02). The pseudarthrosis group had a substantially higher proportion of patients with osteopenia (57.1% vs. 20.0%) and osteoporosis (21.5% vs. 6.2%; P < 0.001) than the fusion group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated osteopenia (odds ratio [OR] 8.76, P= 0.04), osteoporosis (OR 9.97, P= 0.03), and low BMD (OR 11.01, P= 0.002) to be associated with an increased likelihood of developing pseudarthrosis. The results of this study suggest that both osteopenia and osteoporosis are associated with increased rates of pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing elective ACDF.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Professional Athletes: Allograft Versus Autograft.

Level III-retrospective study. The aim was to evaluate the effect method of bone grafting and contract status have on outcomes in a cohort of professional athletes treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The choice of graft-type in ACDF is controversial, with current reports limited to smaller cohorts. Retrospective analysis of 54 professional athletes treated with single level ACDF for cervical disc herniation, cervical fracture, or transient paraparetic event. A case series of professional athletes with ACDF by the senior surgeon were evaluated, 39 with structural iliac crest autograft and 15 with allograft. All autograft patients had confirmed bony fusion, whereas 13/15 allograft patients had a confirmed bony fusion. Each of these players (2/15, 13.3%) was delayed for clearance for return to play by 1 season. In total, 43/50 players (88%) returned to professional play; 25/27 (92.6%) of them "self-employed" and 18/23 (78.2%) "league-contracted." Surgical treatment of cervical pathology in the professional athlete with structural iliac crest autograft results in high union and return to play rates. Use of allograft resulted in a 13.3% increased rate of missing an additional season. Self-employed athletes returned to play 1 season earlier than league-contracted athletes on average.

Biomechanical Analysis of 3-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Under Physiologic Loads Using a Finite Element Model

ObjectivePseudarthrosis and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) are 2 common complications after multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We aim to identify the potential biomechanical factors contributing to pseudarthrosis and ASD following 3-level ACDF using a cervical spine finite element model (FEM). MethodsA validated cervical spine FEM from C2 to C7 was used to study the biomechanical factors in cervical spine intervention. The FEM model was used to simulate a 3-level ACDF with intervertebral spacers and anterior cervical plating with screw fixation from C4 to C7. The model was then constrained at the inferior nodes of the T1 vertebra, and physiological loads were applied at the top vertebra. The pure moment load of 2 Nm was applied in flexion, extension, and lateral bending. A follower axial force of 75 N was applied to reproduce the weight of the cranium and muscle force, was applied using standard procedures. The motion-controlled hybrid protocol was utilized to comprehend the adjustments in the spinal biomechanics. ResultsOur cervical spine FEM demonstrated that the cranial adjacent level (C3–4) had significantly more increase in range of motion (ROM) (+90.38%) compared to the caudal adjacent level at C7–T1 (+70.18%) after C4–7 ACDF, indicating that the cranial adjacent level has more compensatory increase in ROM than the caudal adjacent level, potentially predisposing it to earlier ASD. Within the C4–7 ACDF construct, the C6–7 level had the least robust fixation during fixation compared to C4–5 and C5–6, as reflected by the smallest reduction in ROM compared to intact spine (-71.30% vs. -76.36% and -77.05%, respectively), which potentially predisposes the C6–7 level to higher risk of pseudarthrosis. ConclusionBiomechanical analysis of C4–7 ACDF construct using a validated cervical spine FEM indicated that the C3–4 has more compensatory increase in ROM compared to C7–T1, and C6–7 has the least robust fixation under physiological loads. These findings can help spine surgeons to predicate the areas with higher risks of pseudarthrosis and ASD, and thus developing corresponding strategies to mitigate these risks and provide appropriate preoperative counseling to patients.

The Effect of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Procedure Duration on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

To determine whether operative duration of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) significantly affects patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) 90 days after surgery and at 1-year follow-up. Patients who underwent primary 1-level to 4-level ACDF were retrospectively identified. Demographic data and PROMs were collected through chart review. Patients were split into short, medium, and long tertiles based on procedure duration. PROM surveys were administered preoperatively as baseline measurements, at initial follow-up (between 60 and 120 days postoperatively), and at 1 year postoperatively. Outcomes included Neck Disability Index, Short-Form 12 Physical Component Score (PCS-12), Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score, visual analog scale (VAS) neck score, and VAS arm score. Significant short-term improvements were found across all groups for all PROMs. All groups showed long-term improvements in Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score, PCS-12, Neck Disability Index, VAS neck score, and VAS arm score, with the exception of the medium-duration group in PCS-12 (P= 0.093). On multivariate analysis, short-duration procedures predicted better improvement in VAS neck score (β= -1.01; P= 0.012) and VAS arm score (β= -1.38; P= 0.002) compared with long-duration procedures, whereas medium-duration procedures resulted in better improvement in VAS arm score (β= -1.00; P= 0.011). Further, short and medium duration was a predictor of decreased length of hospital stay (β= -0.67, P= 0.001 and β= -0.59, P= 0.001, respectively) compared with long-duration procedures. All groups improved after ACDF regardless of surgical duration. Further, surgical duration was not a predictor of differing improvement in physical function or disability.

Stand-Alone Cage Versus Anterior Plating for 1-Level and 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Prospective, randomized controlled trial. The aim was to compare perioperative and radiographic outcomes between stand-alone and anterior plated 1 and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF with interbody spacer and separate plate/screw construct (PLATE) may be associated with a higher incidence of postoperative dysphagia, increased operative time, and other complications. Therefore, some have opted to utilize an interbody cage with integrated screws and no plate (CAGE) with good results. Patients with 1-level to 2-level degenerative disease were prospectively enrolled and randomized into 1 of 2 treatment arms consisting of either PLATE or CAGE reconstruction. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Primary endpoints included improvement on patient-reported outcome metrics, construct integrity, cervical alignment, successful arthrodesis, and subsequent revision surgeries. Forty-six patients were included: 12 with 1-level PLATE, 12 with 1-level CAGE, 12 with 2-level PLATE, and 10 with 2-level CAGE. For 1-level ACDF, PLATE patients reported worse swallow function on Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire at 6 weeks (P=0.050) and 6 months (P=0.042). Pseudarthrosis requiring revision was observed in one PLATE patient. For 2-level ACDF CAGE patients reported worse disability on neck disability index (P=0.037) at 6 weeks, as well as worse neck disability index (P=0.017) and visual analog scale neck (P=0.010) at 6 months. However, PLATE patients reported worse swallow function on Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire at 6 weeks (P=0.038). There were no differences in the rates of fusion, loss of disc height correction, subsidence, or in sagittal parameters between cohorts for both 1-level and 2-level ACDF. There was greater incidence of transient postoperative dysphagia in both single and 2-level PLATE cohorts. However, early postoperative outcomes were worse for 2-level CAGE in certain patient-reported metrics. This suggests that although anterior instrumentation may be associated with a higher likelihood of dysphagia, it may also lead to higher short-term stability and improved patient-reported outcomes for 2-level fusion.

Clinical Outcomes After 4- and 5-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Treatment of Symptomatic Multilevel Cervical Spondylosis

There are limited patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) data on 4-level and 5-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The largest series to date solely focused on complications. This retrospective series evaluates PROMs after 4-level and 5-level ACDF. Pertinent data from adult patients treated with a 4-level or 5-level ACDF in 2011-2019 were analyzed. PROMs and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were assessed. Factors associated with favorable and unfavorable outcomes were identified. There were 34 patients (30 underwent 4-level and 4 underwent 5-level ACDFs) with a mean age of 59.6 years; 55.9% were women. At 3 months, there were significant improvements in PROMs except Short-Form 12-Item Survey (SF-12) mental component subscale, which showed modest improvement. At 12 months, there were significant improvements in PROMs except SF-12 physical component subscale (PCS), which showed moderate improvement. The proportions of patients who met the MCID cutoffs ranged from 35.3% (numeric rating scale [NRS]-neck) to 75% (Veteran RAND 12-Item Survey [VR-12] PCS) at 3 months and 38.2% (NRS-arm) to 65.5% (VR-12 mental component subscale) at 12 months. Shorter symptom duration was associated with significantly reduced postoperative pain and Neck Disability Index scores. Shorter length of stay was associated with significantly improved postoperative functional outcomes. patients undergoing 4-level compared with 5-level ACDF achieved better postoperative PROMs. Shorter procedure duration was associated with improved PROMs at 3 months. No patient returned to the operating room within 30 days. Patients who required reoperation achieved significantly inferior Neck Disability Index, NRS-neck, and SF-12 PCS scores at 3 months. This study showed satisfactory PROMs up to 12 months after 4-level and 5-level ACDF despite the complication rate. With thorough preoperative planning and meticulous technique, performing this procedure in carefully selected patients may be associated with acceptable PROMs.

2-Level Anterior Cervical Arthrodesis With Integrated Spacer and Plate vs Traditional Anterior Spacer and Plate System.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common surgery to treat cervical degenerative disc disease. Use of an anterior spacer and plate system (ASPS) results in increased disc height, higher fusion rate, lower subsidence rate, and lower complication rate than a spacer alone.1,2 However, anterior cervical plating is associated with complications, such as dysphagia, plate-screw dislodgment, soft tissue injury, neural injury, and esophageal perforation.3-9 To potentially reduce these drawbacks, integrated spacer and plate (ISP) systems have gained popularity. From November 2009 to October 2013, a total of 84 consecutive patients who underwent 2-level ACDF using ISP or ASPS were reviewed for clinical and radiographic outcomes. Patient-reported visual analog scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, fusion rates, and hardware failure were determined at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Forty-three patients received ISP and 41 patients received ASPS. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the 2 groups. Perioperative characteristics were similar, except for operative time. Postoperatively, no significant differences in VAS or NDI scores or fusion status were found. At the proximal surgical level only, there was a trend toward an earlier observed radiographic fusion rate in ASPS vs ISP, but this finding was not statistically significant (P = 0.092). One case of long-term dysphagia was reported in each group. Neither group had implant failures up to 2 years. The ISP system for 2-level ACDF compared to traditional ASPS has comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes up to 2 years postoperatively. There may be a trend toward an earlier observed radiographic fusion in the ASPS group, but there was no difference in long-term dysphagia rate. Integrated spacer and traditional anterior spacer for 2-level ACDF has similar clinical and radiographical outcome.