Anterior Discectomy and Fusion With or Without Plate Fixation for One Level Cervical Disc Herniation

Kim, Whoan Jeang; Kim, Kyou Hyeun; Choy, Won Sik

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was performed in patients with one level cervical disc herniation who had undergone anterior discectomy and fusion with or without plate fixation.
OBJECTIVES
This study was performed in order to analysis the result of anterior discectomy and fusion, and to assess the benefits of the supplemental anterior cervical plate in the treatment of one level cervical disc herniation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
35 surgically treated patients for one level disc herniation were reviewed. The Smith Robinson with autologous iliac crest bone graft was performed in both groups. Group A consisted of 14 patients who had supplemental anterior cervical fixation performed. Group B consisted of 21 patients treated without plate fixation. Radiologic parameters included the bone union and changes of intervertebral space. Clinical results were classified using the criteria of Robinson.
RESULTS
In radiologic analysis, decreases in intervertebral space were common in group B, especially in older than 61 years old age group, and the bone union time was same in both groups. The overall clinical success rate was 86% in group A and 90% in group B. This difference between group A and group B is not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
When selectively used in osteoporotic patient, supplemental anterior cervical plate fixation allows an early return to activities of daily living for patients and prevent deformities in graft bone. However, further studies are needed to confirm this result. Although many advantages of anterior plate stabilization have been previously reported, the plate osteosynthesis after one level fusion for radiculopathy was not thought to be a major advantage.