In a retrospective cohort study we compared the clinical outcome and complications, including dysphagia, following anterior cervical fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylosis using either a zero-profile (Zero-P; Synthes) implant or an anterior cervical plate and cage. A total of 83 patients underwent fusion using a Zero-P and 107 patients underwent fusion using a plate and cage. The mean follow-up was 18.6 months (sd 4.2) in the Zero-P group and 19.3 months (sd 4.1) in the plate and cage group. All patients in both groups had significant symptomatic and neurological improvement. There were no significant differences between the groups in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analogue scores at final follow-up. The cervical alignment improved in both groups. There was a higher incidence of dysphagia in the plate and cage group on the day after surgery and at two months post-operatively. All patients achieved fusion and no graft migration or nonunion was observed.

When compared with the traditional anterior cervical plate and cage, the Zero-P implant is a safe and convenient procedure giving good results in patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis with a reduced incidence of dysphagia post-operatively.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:543–7.

Introduction

How translation of different parts of spine responds to selective thoracic fusion has not been well investigated. Furthermore, how posterior pedicle-screw-only constructs affect spontaneous lumbar curve correction (SLCC) remains unknown. In a retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the balance change after selective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1C type adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with posterior pedicle-screw-only constructs.