J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1999 Jul;28(7):920-925.

A Comparison of Corpectomy and Bisegmental Diskectomy in Anterior Cervical Fusion

• Song JH
• Park HK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
It is not unusual to decompress two consecutive disc levels in treating patients with multiple radiculopathy or uncertain level diagnosis. However, the controversy over whether to use corpectomy or bisegmental diskectomy for anterior cervical fusion is still largely unsettled. The aim of this study is to define the properties of these two surgical options.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of radiological data and clinical records only in patients whom the follow up period is longer than 12 months. Functional outcome, fusion rate, complication rate, and duration of anesthesia were analyzed in both groups.
RESULTS
In total of 61 cases, corpectomy was performed in 34 and the bisegmental diskectomy in 27 patients. Mean follow-up periods were over 24 months in both groups. Anesthesia time was shorter in corpectomy patients(280 minutes vs. 300 minutes in segmental diskectomy). However, the bisegmental diskectomy group was better in achieving good clinical outcome(92.6% vs. 82%). Overall fusion rate in bisegmental diskectomy was 100%. Hardware failure rate was lower in bisegmental diskectomy group(11% vs. 18%). Revision was needed in 6% of corpectomy group.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, although the anesthesia time is slightly longer in bisegmental fusion, we believe the method of bisegmental diskectomy is better in accomplishing higher fusion rate and lower complication rate.

Keyword

Corpectomy; Bisegmental diskectomy; Anterior cervical fusion

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Diagnosis
Diskectomy*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Radiculopathy
Retrospective Studies