Anterior cervical discectomy and vertebral interbody fusion with hydroxy-apatite ceramic. Preliminary results.

Intervertebral plates of hydroxy apatite ceramic (HAC) have been used in three patients for cervical vertebral interbody fusion after anterior discectomy. In one case a pure HAC "Disc" was used, which proved to be too friable. Specially designed intervertebral plates, which were composed of an HAC-coated core of alumina ceramic, were used in the other two cases. Clinically and radiologically optimal results after 1-year- and 2-year-follow-up suggest that HAC-ceramic might be a very promising material for vertebral interbody fusion. Possible complications and pain due to bone removal from the iliac crest are avoided, and the operative procedure is simplified.