Anterior cervical spine fusion in treatment of cervicobrachialgia.

Traumatic and degenerative changes in the spine at the level of the neck are frequent causes of pain in the neck, often associated with radiculopathy and sometimes even myelopathic symptoms. The signs and symptoms can generally be attributed to a problem of instability for which there are no specific criteria. If conservative treatment does not help, satisfying results can be achieved by a stable intercorporeal fusion using the modified Robinson technique. An EMG and a cervical myelogram must be carried out before surgical stabilization. In 154 patients followed for an average of 12 years, 75% observed resolution of the pain and paresthesias after surgical stabilization. These results correspond to those described in the literature. The best results are achieved if the signs and symptoms are experienced for no longer than 1 year and if the patient is under age 40.