Polyetheretherketone Cages Alone with Allograft for Three-Level Anterior Cervical Fusion. (1st February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Hong; Ploumis, Avraam; Li, Chunde; Yi, Xiaodong; Li, Hong
• Other Names: Lagares A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN neurology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-01
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases; Neurology; Neurology; Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/452703
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5505

Abstract

Abstract : A total of 25 consecutive patients suffering from degenerative cervical disc disease who underwent three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) including polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages packed with allograft were followed up for at least two years. The fusion rate reached 72% (18/25), and asymptomatic pseudarthrosis was seen in 6 patients but without mobility on flexion-extension radiographs, and revision surgery was not needed. Cage subsidence occurred at one level (C67), but it was not progressive, and reoperation was not necessary. A significant increase (P < 0.001 ) in fused segment angle (FSA) and fused segment height (FSH) was observed postoperatively. Similarly, a significant clinical improvement (P < 0.001 ) was demonstrated postoperatively in terms of Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analog scales (VASs) score. PEEK cages alone with allograft proved to be a safe and effective surgical option in the treatment of three-level degenerative cervical disc disease. Although the fusion rate was not high, this technique may offer improvement of symptomatology and maintenance of cervical spine's sagittal profile.