Anterior transvertebral herniotomy for cervical disk herniation.

This study analyzed the results of anterior transvertebral herniotomy for cervical disk herniation to assess the utility of this procedure. Anterior transvertebral herniotomy was performed in 24 patients who had cervical disk herniation without spinal canal stenosis. In most patients, a good result was obtained, but simultaneous or subsequent anterior intervertebral fusion was necessary in four patients. In one (4%) patient, the two adjacent vertebrae had fused spontaneously. The best indication for this treatment judging from the postoperative results is a large disk hernia associated with either myelopathy or radiculopathy, but without spinal canal stenosis.