[Functional and radiological outcome after ACDF in 67 cases].

INTRODUCTION

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an accepted technique for the treatment of symptomatic disc disease at the cervical spine. In this study the clinical outcome of 67 patients who underwent ACDF due to cervical disc herniation are presented. Based on the results of this study and those of other working groups the pros and cons of ACDF were analysed and discussed.

METHODS

67 patients with cervical disc herniation underwent ACDF of a single level. Clinical and/or radiological examination was performed immediately preoperatively, one day after surgery and 7 months postoperatively to assess the course of the examined parameters.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 53 years (range: 19-81). Seven months after surgery we observed pain reduction in 91% of the cases, range of motion in the neck improvement in 79%, motor function improvement in 78% and a function improvement in sensitivity in 78% of the cases. Analysis of the CT scans 7 months after surgery showed a fusion rate of 85% on the cervical spine segment that was treated.

DISCUSSION: The results of this study demonstrate that ACDF is an effective surgical treatment for patients suffering from disc degeneration at the cervical spine. Over 80% of the patients showed an improved neurological status and had less pain than prior to surgery. It is a safe surgical technique with a low rate of complications and a high rate of bony consolidation on the treated level.