Anterior Cervical Instrumentation Using Intradiscal Cage with Integrated Plate

Ahn, Kyoung Rok; Ryu, Kyeong Sik; Chang, In Bok; Cho, Byung Moon; Park, Se Hyuck; Oh, Sae Moon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The retrospective study is undertaken to report clinical results of anterior cervical interbody fusion with an intradiscal cage with an integrated plate (PCB cervical plating system).
METHODS
38 patients underwent anterior cervical interbody fusion with PCB cervical plating system and followed 6~24 months. The authors investigated overall surgical results; clinical outcome, fusion rate, change of interspace height & lordotic angle, and complications.
RESULTS
No complication was observed during the operation. Clinical improvement was identified in 34 cases (89.5%). Bone fusion observed in 44 out of 49 sites (90.7%). After operation, the interspace height increased from 5.4+/-1.3 mm to 7.8+/-1.5 mm and maintained 7.4+/-1.1 mm and, interspace angle went up from 4.2+/-0.7 degrees to 4.8+/-1.1 degrees and maintained 4.6+/-0.9 degrees. The loosening of screw was observed in 6 cases, one of which had reoperation because of the expulsion of the device accompanied.
CONCLUSION
PCB cervical plating system could restore interbody height and lordosis in anterior cervical interbody fusion. But, if the insertion of the spacer is not precise, the frequencies of hardware failure are relatively high. It is considered necessary for the operator to be careful in the procedure.