[Outcome after cervical anterior fusion--a clinical study of 368 patients].

AIM: The object of this study was to identify those factors with a direct influence on the treatment outcome of anterior cervical fusion. The clinical relevance of intervertebral cage subsidence in the course of disease is discussed.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In a prospective clinical study we followed up 368 patients with degenerative disease of the cervical spine one year after anterior fusion and cage implantation.

RESULTS

We found a statistically significant association between a good outcome and young adults with monosegmental fusion of the lower cervical spine.

CONCLUSIONS

Early treatment of moderate degenerative cervical disc diseases using an intervertebral cage and anterior fusion leads to a good outcome. Subsidence of the cage does not correlate with a poor outcome.