Which Radiographic Parameter Can Aid in Deciding Optimal Allograft Height for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?. Issue 3 (24th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Jae Jun; Park, Sehan; Kim, Dong-Min
• Is Part Of: Clinical spine surgery. Volume 36:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2023-04-24
• Subjects: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion -- allograft -- uncinate height -- indirect decompression -- allograft size -- pseudarthrosis -- subsidence; Spinal cord -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Spinal cord -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.56059
• DOI: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2380-0186

Abstract

Abstract : Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To identify preoperative radiographic parameters that can guide optimal allograft height selection for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Summary of Background Data: Allograft height selection for ACDF depends on intraoperative assessment supported by trials; however, there is currently no radiographic reference parameter that could aid in allograft height selection for improved outcomes. Methods: A total of 148 patients who underwent ACDF using allografts and were followed up for more than 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. Fusion rates, subsidence, segmental lordosis, and foraminal height were assessed. Segments were divided into 2 groups according to whether the inserted allograft height was within 1 mm from the following 3 reference radiographic parameters: (1) uncinate process height, (2) adjacent disc height, and (3) preoperative disc height +2 mm. Results: This study included 101 patients with 163 segments. Segments with an allograft-uncinate height difference of ≤1 mm had a significantly higher fusion rate at 1-year follow-up compared with segments with allograft-uncinate height difference of >1 mm [85/107 (79.4%) vs. 35/56 (62.5%); P =0.025]. Subsidence, segmental lordosis, and foraminal height did not significantly differ between the groups when segments were divided according to uncinate height. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that allograft-uncinate height difference of ≤1 mm and allograft failure were factors associated with fusion. Conclusions: The uncinate process height can guide optimal allograft height selection for ACDF. Using an allograft with an allograft-uncinate height difference of ≤1 mm resulted in a higher fusion rate. Therefore, the uncinate process height should be checked preoperatively and used in conjunction with intraoperative assessment when selecting allograft height.