Aims. The number of patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy has increased. In many countries, public hospitals have limited capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for elective treatment and a need for supplementary private healthcare. It is uncertain whether the management of patients and the outcome of treatment are equivalent in public and private hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the management and patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy in public and private hospitals in Norway, and to assess whether the effectiveness of the treatment was equivalent. Methods. This was a comparative study using prospectively collected data from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. A total of 4,750 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy and were followed for 12 months were included. Case-mix adjustment between those managed in public and private hospitals was performed using propensity score matching. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) between baseline and 12 months postoperatively. A mean difference in improvement of the NDI score between public and private hospitals of ≤ 15 points was considered equivalent. Secondary outcome measures were a numerical rating scale for neck and arm pain and the EuroQol five-dimension three-level health questionnaire. The duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications were also recorded. Results. The mean improvement from baseline to 12 months postoperatively of patients who underwent surgery in public and private hospitals was equivalent, both in the unmatched cohort (mean NDI difference between groups 3.9 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 5.6); p < 0.001) and in the matched cohort (4.0 points (95% CI 2.3 to 5.7); p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed similar results. The duration of surgery and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in public hospitals. Those treated in private hospitals reported significantly fewer complications in the unmatched cohort, but not in the matched cohort. Conclusion. The clinical effectiveness of surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy performed in public and private hospitals was equivalent 12 months after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):64–71

The February 2023 Spine Roundup. 360. looks at: S2AI screws: At what cost?; Just how good is spinal deformity surgery?; Is 80 years of age too late in the day for spine surgery?; Factors affecting the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in robot-assisted surgery; Factors causing delay in discharge in patients eligible for ambulatory lumbar fusion surgery; Anterior cervical discectomy or fusion and selective laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy; Surgery for cervical radiculopathy: what is the complication burden?; Hypercholesterolemia and neck pain; Return to work after surgery for cervical radiculopathy: a nationwide registry-based observational study

Purpose: Published series of minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy (MICF) have shown excellent short-term relief of cervical radiculopathy (85–98%) with minimal surgical morbidity. There have been no long-term clinical series documenting the stability of these results over time. This is the first long-term follow-up of MICF patients to determine the incidence of recurrent symptoms and need for additional cervical spine surgery. Methods: We conducted a multi-center retrospective chart review of 73 patients who had MICF. Clinical outcome measures were assessed from clinic records, operative records, and telephone surveys. Results: At 3 months, 70/73 patients (96%) reported relief of radicular pain compared to their preoperative state. By 40 months, 15 patients reported symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. 8 patients experienced recurrent symptoms, and the remaining 7 had a new radicular pattern. Of 7 patients with symptoms at new levels, 6 had pre-existing radiographic abnormality. 15 patients underwent additional cervical surgery after MICF. 3 patients underwent repeat MICF at the same level. An additional 2 patients had MICF at a different level. 7 patients had ACDF at the same level and 2 had fusion at a different level. There were no cases of frank instability or spondylolisthesis noted. Conclusions: At 40 month follow-up, 21% or patients had radicular symptoms with 11% reporting recurrence of preoperative symptoms and 9% with radicular symptoms in a different distribution. 12% (9/73 patients) of the group required ACDF within the follow-up period. Thus, 64/73 patients were spared fusion in this series. Assuming the 2.5% per year incidence of adjacent level fusion cited in the literature, there would have been 6 cases likely to have required another fusion if all 73 patients had been treated with ACDF initially. From this perspective, MICF continues to be our procedure of choice for properly selected patients with cervical radiculopathy

We describe results of a new ‘two needle technique’ of selective nerve root blocks done through posterior triangle of neck in the management of cervical radiculopathy with 2 year results. Methods: Patients presenting with cervical radiculopathy were evaluated clinically and radiologically and were initially managed with supervised physiotherapy, analgesics and rest. Selective cervical nerve root block was offered to the patients, who did not respond to conservative management. The procedure was performed as a day case, under local anesthesia, with image intensifier guidance, using ‘two needle technique’. A thinner needle is rail-roaded through the lumen of large diameter guide needle to reach the target nerve root foramen and a mixture of Bupivacaine and Triamcinolone acetonide is injected. The outcome was measured using visual analogue score (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) done on the day of the procedure and compared to the scores at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure. Results: Outcome in 30 patients who underwent this procedure over three years’ period is presented. Average Visual Analogue Score was 7.36 (range 6 – 10) before the intervention, which improved to 2.27 (range 0 – 7) at 3 months and 1.9 (range 0 – 4) at 1 year. The average Neck Disability Index score prior to intervention was 66.87 (range 44 to 82), which improved to 31.67 (range 18 – 66) at 3 months and 30.44 (range 20 – 48) at 1 year. There were no major complications noted. We conclude that selective cervical nerve root block using ‘two-needle technique’ is safe and reproducible. The therapeutic effect achieved is long lasting, making this procedure a good alternative to surgical management in patients with cervical radiculopathy who do not respond to conservative management

Diagnostic indices for the determination of involved nerve root in cervical radiculopathy have been described by Yoss (1957), Murphey (1973) and Hoppenfeld (1976). However, there has been criticism that their indices are inappropriate for the diagnosis, because involved nerve root can not necessarily be determined using them. Difficulties in diagnosis have been attributed to the variable patterns of symptoms and signs caused by nerve root compression. Purpose: To develop the new diagnostic indices for determination of involved nerve root in cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Forty-five cases operated on through posterior foraminotomy were reviewed. The sites of neck pain(s) (in nape, in suprascapular, superior angle of scapula, interscapular, or scapular regions), and arm pain (anterior, lateral, posterior or medial) in anatomical position were preoperatively recorded. The finger(s) with subjective paraesthesia or objective sensory change, and the finger(s) of the most severe involvement were recorded. Affected muscle(s) (deltoid, biceps, wrist extensor, wrist flexor, triceps, finger extensor, or intrinsic), and the muscle(s) of the weakest were recorded. All of 45 cases were decompressed unilaterally at only 1 level, and showed improvements just after operation. Involved nerve roots and number of their cases were as follows: C5, 7; C6, 12; C7, 13; C8, 13. Results: Pain in the suprascapular region frequently (82%) indicated C5 or C6 radiculopathy. Interscapular or scapular pain always (100%) indicated C7 or C8 radiculopathy. Lateral, posterior, or medial arm pain frequently indicated C6, C7 or C8 radiculopathy, respectively. Involved nerve roots and number of patterns of finger paraesthesia [or sensory change] were as follows: C5, 0 [0]; C6, 4 [5]; C7, 8 [10]; C8, 4 [5]. However, when the most severe involvement was that of the thumb, the index or long finger, or the little finger, the indication was C6, C7 or C8 radiculopathy, respectively. Although patterns in affection of muscles were also variable, when the weakest muscle was deltoid, biceps or wrist extensor, wrist flexor or triceps, or intrinsic, the indication was C5, C6, C7 or C8 radiculopathy, respectively. Conclusion: The sites of the neck and arm pain are important for the diagnosis of the involved nerve root. Not the fingers with paraesthesia but the fingers with the most severe involvement lead to the diagnosis

In the 40 years since Smith and Robinson described the anterior approach to decompress and fuse the cervical spine, generally acceptable clinical results have been reported though few papers include any form of detailed outcome assessment. More recently Snyder and Bernhardt have described an anterolateral disc-preserving approach to treat cervical radiculopathy that does not entail vertebral artery exposure. We describe our experience of this procedure. Surgery was performed on 40 patients ( 21 male, 19 female, mean age 41 years). Functional outcome was assessed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), return to usual work status, patient subjective satisfaction rating, and by standard VAS. Radiographic evaluation was performed looking at the following parameters: neutral films – maintenance of interbody disc height/diameter ratio R and degree of kyphosis/lordosis: dynamic films – degree of movement maintained at operated motion segment. At an average follow up of 20 months(range 6 – 36) the mean NDI had fallen from 45% to 10% .Mean neck pain score was 2 (pre op was 7), average arm pain score 1 (pre op was7). 93% of patients had returned to work, 85% to their original occupation at an average of 11 weeks. Patient satisfaction scores were: 85% very satisfied, 5 % satisfied, 5% unsatisfied and 5% very unsatisfied. Radiologically it was possible to preserve intervertebral body disc height and motion in some patients whilst others lost some height and motion. A minority fused spontaneously. ACFID is associated with clinical functional outcome scores comparable with those reported in the literature for alternative procedures. Bone graft donor site morbidity is avoided and radiological results show that preservation of useful motion at the operated disc is possible

Objective. Our aim is to assess the use of the cervical nerve root block (CNRB) in the treatment of radicular pain associated with degenerative cervical spine disease and its potential to limit the need for surgical intervention. Methods. A retrospective review of consecutive CNRB procedures carried out between January 2008 and June 2010. All procedures were performed using a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid under fluoroscopic guidance. The inclusion criteria were brachialgia with MRI proven nerve compression and inadequate response to physiotherapy. Patients that underwent both a CNRB and facet joint injections were excluded. The outcome measures assessed were the response gained (complete/temporary/no relief) and the choice of further management. Results. A total of 121 patients underwent CNRBs within our study period. 11 patients were lost to follow up. A cohort of 110 patients was studied (49 male and 61 female) with a mean age of 51.5 years (standard deviation 12.3 years). Following the initial CNRB, 49 patients (44.5%) had complete relief requiring no further interventions. Temporary symptom relief was achieved for 30 patients (27.3%) and no relief was gained in 31 patients (31.2%). A repeat CNRB was carried out in 19 patients who gained temporary or no benefit following the initial block. Of the 97 patients who have a complete follow up, complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in 53 patients (54.6%), 25 patients (25.8%) progressed to requiring surgery and no further treatment was offered to 19 patients (19.6%). No complications related to the procedure were identified. Conclusion. Cervical nerve root blocks can be performed to treat patients suffering with cervical radiculopathy symptoms. It is a minimally invasive intervention that can reduce the need for operative intervention

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type of cervical disc herniation influences the severity of symptoms at the time of presentation, and the outcome after surgical treatment. Methods. The type and extent of disc herniation at the time of presentation in 108 patients who underwent anterior discectomy for cervical radiculopathy were analyzed on MRI, using a four-point scale. These were dichotomized into disc bulge and disc herniation groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in the neck and arm at baseline and two years postoperatively. The perceived recovery was also assessed at this time. Results. At baseline, 46 patients had a disc bulge and 62 had a herniation. There was no significant difference in the mean NDI and SF-36 between the two groups at baseline. Those in the disc bulge group had a mean NDI of 44.6 (SD 15.2) compared with 43.8 (SD 16.0) in the herniation group (p = 0.799), and a mean SF-36 of 59.2 (SD 6.9) compared with 59.4 (SD 7.7) (p = 0.895). Likewise, there was no significant difference in the incidence of disabling arm pain in the disc bulge and herniation groups (84% vs 73%; p = 0.163), and no significant difference in the incidence of disabling neck pain in the two groups (70.5% (n = 31) vs 63% (n = 39); p = 0.491). At two years after surgery, no significant difference was found in any of the clinical parameters between the two groups. Conclusion. In patients with cervical radiculopathy, the type and extent of disc herniation measured on MRI prior to surgery correlated neither to the severity of the symptoms at presentation, nor to clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1242–1248

Aims. Cervical radiculopathy is a significant cause of pain and morbidity. For patients with severe and poorly controlled symptoms who may not be candidates for surgical management, treatment with transforaminal epidural steroid injections (CTFESI) has gained widespread acceptance. However, a paucity of high-quality evidence supporting their use balanced against perceived high risks of the procedure potentially undermines the confidence of clinicians who use the technique. We undertook a systematic review of the available literature regarding CTFESI to assess the clinical efficacy and complication rates of the procedure. Methods. OVID, MEDLINE, and Embase database searches were performed independently by two authors who subsequently completed title, abstract, and full-text screening for inclusion against set criteria. Clinical outcomes and complication data were extracted, and a narrative synthesis presented. Results. Six studies (three randomized controlled trials and three non-randomized observational studies; 443 patients) were included in the final review. The aggregate data support the efficacy of CTFESI in excess of the likely minimal clinically important difference. No major complications were described. Conclusion. There is increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of CTFESI. Concerns regarding the occurrence of catastrophic complications, widely shared in the case report and anecdotal literature, were not found when reviewing the best available evidence. However, the strength of these findings remains limited by the lack of highly powered high-level studies and the heterogeneity of the studies available. Further high-quality studies are recommended to address the issues of efficacy and safety with CTFESI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):567–574

Abstract. Objectives. There is still controversy in the literature over whether Cervical Foraminotomy or Anterior Cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is best for treating cervical Radiculopathy. Numerous studies have focused on the respective complication rates of these procedures and outcome measures with a lack of due consideration to preoperative MRI findings. Proximal foraminal stenosis can theoretically be accessed via either approach. We aimed to investigate whether patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) favoured one approach over the other in patients with proximal foraminal stenosis. Methods. A single centre retrospective review of patients undergoing either ACDF or Cervical foraminotomy over the period 2012 to 2022. VAS, Neck disability index (NDI), EQ5DL and Patient Satisfaction on a Five Point Likert scale were obtained. Patients who had both an ACDF and a Foraminotomy were excluded. Axial MRI images were analysed and the location of the worst clinically relevant disc herniation stratified as follows: Central (1), Paracentral (2) and Foraminal (3). Correlations and average PROMs were analysed in SPSS. Results. PROMs scores were available for 33 ACDF patients and 37 Foraminotomy patients. Average surgery time in ACDF group was 167 minutes while Foraminotomy 142 minutes. Average Length of hospital stay was 6.24 days in the Foraminotomy group and 3.54 days in the ACDF group. 18 patients were excluded due to having both surgeries (2 of which developed CSF leaks postoperatively). Of the included patients there were no postoperative complications. 13 patients in the ACDF had Central or Paracentral stenosis in addition to proximal Foraminal stenosis, 3 patients in the Foraminotomy group had some significant Paracentral herniation just before the Proximal foramen. The majority of patients in both groups had pure proximal Foraminal stenosis (N= 17 (ACDF), 20 (Foraminotomy). The results showed no significant difference in PROMs between patients who received an ACDF or a Foraminotomy for Proximal foraminal stenosis (EQ5DL, NDI, and satisfaction, P= 0.268, 0.253 and 0.327). There was no correlation between location of the stenosis and PROM scores in either group. Conclusions. Our data suggest that Proximal foraminal stenosis can be effectively addressed by either an anterior ACDF or a Foraminotomy with no difference in complication rates. Foraminotomy has the benefit of no implant cost but longer hospital stay. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for radiculopathy and myelopathy has the complication of the development of adjacent segment degeneration. Furthermore, reoperations may be required to treat complications of fusion, such as non-union, graft collapse, or expulsion. Cervical disc arthroplasty lays claim to preserving cervical motion and reducing the risks of adjacent segment disease in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. We performed a prospective study in order to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of cervical disc arthroplasty for single or two level disc disease with associated radiculopathy. Our study included a total of 26 patients. Each patient had cervical radiculopathy from nerve root compression due to degenerative disc disease at one or two levels. Diagnosis was made preoperatively on clinical examination and by means of MRI scanning. Each patient also had preoperative flexion and extension cervical spine x-rays in order to assess pre-operative range of neck movement. The outcomes of surgery were assessed prospectively. Range of motion at final follow-up was measured by flexion and extension view x-rays of the cervical spine. Clinical outcome was assessed by means of VAS scores for pain, SF12 for mental and physical health and the neck disability index (NDI). All complications were recorded. 14 of the patients had a follow-up for two years and the remaining 12 patients had a follow-up for one year. A Discovery disc arthoplasty by Scient'X was the implant used in all patients. A standard anterior cervical approach was used to achieve decompression and for the implantation of the prosthesis. On follow-up all patients had either maintenance or an improvement in the range of movement. There was no evidence of progression of degeneration in the segments adjacent to the arthroplasty prosthesis. Improvements in SF12, VAS, and NDI scores were seen from preoperative levels in 25 of the 26 patients. Complications included one patient with a horse voice post-operatively and one patient with minimal improvement of radicular symptoms. Post-operative MRI scanning demonstrated adequate decompression with this procedure and showed no evidence of progression of adjacent segment disease. There were no cases of implant subsidence or dislocations. We have found cervical disc arthroplasty to produce good clinical outcomes when used for single or two level cervical radiculopathy whilst maintaining neck motion with an acceptable complication rate. A longer follow-up is needed to further assess the risk of development of adjacent segment disease but we did not discover the development of adjacent segment disease in our study with a follow-up of upto 2 years

The April 2023 Spine Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy versus microendoscopic discectomy; Spine surgical site infections: a single debridement is not enough; Lenke type 5, anterior, or posterior: systematic review and meta-analysis; Epidural steroid injections and postoperative infection in lumbar decompression or fusion; Noninferiority of posterior cervical foraminotomy versus anterior cervical discectomy; Identifying delays to surgical treatment for metastatic disease; Cervical disc replacement and adjacent segment disease: the NECK trial; Predicting complication in adult spine deformity surgery.

Introduction: In comparison to anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty has the potential of maintaining normal segmental lordosis, anatomical disc space height, and physiological motion patterns that may reduce or delay the onset of degenerative disc disease at adjacent cervical spinal motion segments. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine patient satisfaction post cervical disc arthroplasty. by evaluating each patient both clinically and radiologically. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on all patients with symptomatic cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy who had undergone cervical disc arthroplasty by a single surgeon after a standard anterior cervical discectomy. Outcome measures included the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaires, neurological status, and radiographic status. Results: Over a 32 month period, 15 patients underwent cervical disc arthroplasty, with 12 patients undergoing single level arthroplasty. 2 patients undergoing 2 level arthroplasty and one patient undergoing a 3 level arthroplasty. The C5/C6 level was involved in 9 cases (60%). The male female ratio was 7:8. The mean age at presentation was 45 years (range, 28–59). The mean follow up was 24 months (range, 5–31). The mean improvement in NDI scores was 34.8. The mean PCS and MCS scores of the SF-36 test improved by 12.8 and 7.7 respectively. There was no neurological deficit. There were no cases of implant failures, migrations or subsidence. Conclusion: High patient satisfaction levels highlight the efficacy and safety of cervical disc arthroplasty, but longer term follow up is required to assess the long term functionality of the prosthesis and its protective influence on adjacent levels

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes, and the requirement of surgery following selective nerve root block performed for cervical radicular pain in patients with MRI proven disc pathology. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with cervical radiculopathy and correlating MRI pathology were studied. Mean age of patient was 46yrs (range 28–64yrs). Twenty nine of the thirty patients also complained of associated neck pain. All underwent fluoroscopically guided, selective cervical nerve root block with steroid (20mg Depomedrone) and local anaesthetic (0.5ml Bupivo-caine 0.25%). Radiographic contrast was used to confirm needle position. All procedures were conducted by the same clinician. Pre and post procedure pain and physical function scores were noted using the standard SF 36 questionnaire, as well as whether subsequent surgery was required. Mean follow up time was seven months (range 2–13 months). Results: 81% of patients reported an improvement in arm pain, and 66% in neck pain following the procedure. 77% of patients had an improvement in pain score (mean improvement 16 points). 68% of patients had an improvement in physical function score (mean improvement 20 points). At the time of follow up only one patient had undergone surgery for cervical radicular pain. Conclusion: This study suggests that fluoroscopically guided selective nerve root block is a clinically effective interventional procedure in the management of cervical radicular pain, and may prevent the need for open surgery

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Artificial Cervical Disc. Design: Compare the Bryan prosthesis to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), by using the pre-defined objective performance criteria (OPC) derived from a literature meta-analysis of ACDF in which a success rate of 73% was established. The Null hypothesis is that the success rate for the Bryan prosthesis is greater or equal to the OPC (Objective Performance Criteria) of 85%. Secondary Objectives studied included the range of motion after implantation; adverse events from implantation onwards; maintenance of the disc space height; amount of subsidence. Radiology was assessed by an independent radiologist. Improvement in the quality of life for the patient (SF-36) was also recorded at six weeks, six months and one year. Data was collected by an independent research practitioner. Subjects: Multicentre study seven European centres: 107 patients Male 51, Female 66. Age ranged from 27 to 71. Mean age was 42 years with a clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, and single level disc disease on MRI. Outcome Measures: Odom Criteria, SF-36, radiological range of movement. Results: The Bryan Cervical Disc was associated with a clinical success according to Odom’s criteria of 87%. Radiological success occurred in 97%. SF-36 analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in all domains. Conclusion: The Bryan Disc has been successfully implanted in 107 patients with good clinical results and at one-year follow-up there is radiological evidence of preserved motion

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, and to report patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following treatment using this service.

Introduction: Although there are several accepted methods of surgical treatment for single level cervical radiculopathy, the choice depends on the surgeon’s preference. The techniques may vary in perioperative morbidity, short and long term outcome, but no study so far has analysed their cost-effectiveness. To compare the outcome and cost-effectiveness of four techniques commonly used for degenerative cervical disc pathology. Methods: We conducted a observational cohort study from two spinal units. Between 1999 and 2004, 60 patients underwent surgery for single level anterior cervical disc pathology. Out of this 30 patients underwent their surgery in centre A the other 30 in centre B. Centre A used two ACDF techniques-group 1- plate and tricortical graft, group 2- plate, cage and bone substitute (BCP granules). Centre B used two other techniques- group 3- cage alone with autologous locally harvested graft, group 4- disc arthroplasty. We had 15 patients in each of the above four groups. Operating time, blood loss, duration of stay, donor site morbidity, analgesia requirements, and total cost incurred per patient were recorded. All patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. The clinical outcome and pain assessment were done using the SF12 and VAS. Results: The three Fusion groups had a similar radiological outcome. With appropriate statistical analysis, there were no differences in physical and mental domains of the SF12 or pain scores between the groups. The average operative time in the group 1 was 160 minutes, group 2 was 100 minutes, group 3 was 90 minutes and group 4 was 105 minutes. Average blood loss was minimal in all groups. The average hospital stay was of 5, 2.7, 2.5, 2 days for groups 1–4 respectively. The average total cost per patient in the group 1 (surgery+stay+plate) was £2790, group 2 (surgery+stay+plate+cage+BCP) was £2400, group 3 (surgery+stay+cage) was £1900, and group 4(surgery+stay+disc implant) was £2350. Conclusion: All the techniques gave similarly satisfactory clinical outcomes but using cages alone could be more cost-effective than using iliac crest auto-graft for fusion. The disc arthroplasty was comparable to cage with bone substitute and plate in terms of outcome and may giev the surgeon an alternative choice in patients who are not keen on/ unfit for fusion

Anterior decompression and adequate spine fixation in patients with cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy are essential for functional restoration of cervical spine. In this study, we performed evaluation and comparative radiological assessment of several types of spinal implants in terms of bone block formation, sagittal alignment and effectiveness as a structural support. Materials and Methods: From 1993 to 2003, 165 patients with radiculopathy and myelopathy due to degenerative disease of cervical spine were operated on. The age of patients was 32–74 years (mean age 57, 8). The interbody fusion was performed by several methods. Group1. Autograft – 91 patients. Group 2. TiNi alloy cages – 74 patients. Group 3. Varilift expandable cages without plate fixation – 22 patients. Group 4. Verilift cages with plate fixation – 8 patients. Group 5. Bone substitute spacer and plate fixation – 3 patients. Results: In groups 1 and 2, the bone and bone-metal block was formed during the first 3–4 months after surgery in all patients. There were no cases of bone resorbtion around the TiNi cages or loosening of the device. In patients with one-level (15 patients) interbody fusion by Varilift cages (group 3); formation of the bone block during the same time period was observed in 14 out of 15 patients. In cases with two-level fusion (7 patients), the bone block at the second level was not formed for longer than 6 months. There were 7 cases of subsiding and segmental kyphosis. In group 4, we did not detect any cases of loosening, subsiding or segmental kyphosis. In group 5, no bone block formation was observed after 6 months despite plate fixation. Conclusions: A high fusion rate was achieved after a single or multi-level discectomy and interbody fusion by autograft and TiNi cages, which did not subside due to their design and superelasticity and can therefore be used without plate fixation. Varilift cages were also very effective, but if used without plate fixation may be associated with subsiding effect. The use of the bone substitute spacer is questionable in cervical spine surgery. Cervical plate fixation is effective as a prophylactic measure against segmental kyphosis in all types of interbody fusion