Results of Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Cage Assisted Fusion without Plates

Objective: This prospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of carbon fibre cages packed with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) mixed with autologous blood and curettage microchip material for treatment of multilevel cervical disc disease and spondylosis without the use of plates, screws or autogenous iliac crest bone graft. Methods: Twenty two patients underwent multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Fifteen patients underwent two level fusion and 7 patients underwent three level fusion; for a total 51 levels. Seventeen patients with cervical radiculopathy and three with radiculomyelopathy. Cervical lordosis and cervical fusion status was assessed on X-ray; and 20 patients also underwent computerized tomography (CT) to assess the results of surgery. Results: All the patients were followed clinically and radiologically with a mean of 24 months postoperatively (range 18-26 months). Radiculopathy improved after surgery in all the patients where's myelopathy resolved in three patients. The fusion rate was 96.1\% in two level fusion and 93.3\% in three level fusion In two patients fusion was incomplete but reoperation was not required at the end of follow up period. No cage migration or cage failure occurred. Conclusion: ACDF using carbon fibre cage packed with DBM is a safe and efficient method for treatment of multilevel cervical disc disease and spondylosis. It preserves cervical lordosis and obviates the complications related to iliac crest graft harvest and screw plate fixation. {[}Omar Kelany, Ahmed Hashem Amin, Mohamed Gamal. Results of Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Cage Assisted Fusion without Plates. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):1836-1845] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 279