J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1981 Mar;10(1):189-198.

Studies on the Improved Technique of the Anterior Cervical Interbody Fusion for Herniated Cervical Disc

• Ahn W
• Shin H
• Kim JG

Abstract

A total of 236 anterior cervical interbody fusion has been performed. In 76 cases mostly Cloward's original method has used. During these operations several technical modifications were made. With these technique 159 cases were operated and showed marked beneficial results. 1. For widening of the interspace, a halter traction was better than the vertebra spreader. 2. Extension of the cervical spine when drilling of the vertebral bodies prevented the post-operative flexion deformity of the neck. 3. The dowel size, 2mm. In diameter larger than the drill hole was used and the cortical end plate of the dowel was fixed st the anterior edges of the vertebral bodies. 4. It was safe to leave the posterior edges of the vertebral bodies when drilling. 5. If the dowel was too thin, 2 pieces of the graft were packed. 6. Post-operative pain on the dornor bone site and walking difficutly wer minimized when the dowel was obtained from the inner aspect of the ileum. when the dowel was obtained from the inner aspect of the ileum. Many technical fitfalls of this type of operation were analyzed and discussed the improved surgery.

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Ileum
Neck
Spine
Traction
Transplants
Walking