Summary
An analysis of 81 patients subjected to anterior cervical discectomy without interbody fusion was made. In these, 62 operations were done with the aid of microscopic magnification. Nineteen were done without. The results appeared to be equally favourable. However, these comparable results should be interpreted in the light of patient selection. Only solitary soft discs were selected in the latter group. The concept of “tail” undoubtedly came into play in this group. In the other group, discs or spurs, or both, including multiple level involvement with varying degrees of spinal stenosis, were candidates for such a procedure. The magnification provided the added dimensions of direct vision enabling the surgeon to see more and do more. The overall results are comparable to those done with interbody fusion. This fact, plus the relative simplicity and lack of complications, makes this procedure superior to that with fusion.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hankinson, H. L., Wilson, C. B., Use of the operating microscope in anterior cervical discectomy without fusion. J. Neurosurg.43 (1975), 452–456.
Spurling, R. G., Lesions of the cervical intervertebral disc (Woodhall, B., ed.), pp. 48–49. Springfield, Ill.: Ch. C Thomas. 1956.
Wilson, D. H., Campbell, D. D., Anterior cervical discectomy without bone graft. J. Neurosurg.47 (1977), 551–555.
Cloward, R. B., The anterior approach for removal of ruptured cervical discs. J. Neurosurg.15 (1958), 602–617.
Cloward, R. B., Treatment of lesions of the cervical spine by the anterior surgical approach. In: The spinal cord, 2nd Ed. (Austin, G., ed.), pp. IX, 389–440. Springfield, Ill.: Ch. C Thomas. 1972.
Riley, L. H., Robinson, R. A., Johnson, K. A.,et al., The results of anterior interbody fusion of the cervical spine. Review of 93 consecutive cases. J. Neurosurg.30 (1969), 127–133.
Smith, G. W., Robinson, R. A., The treatment of certain cervical spine disorders by anterior removal of the intervertebral disc and interbody fusion. J. Bone Surg.40 (1958), 617–624.
Lunsford, L. D., Anterior cervical operation for spondylotic myelopathy. Surgical Forum30 (1979), 457–459.
Tinturi, T., Cloward's anterior fusion in the treatment of cervical spinal traumatic injury and dysfunction. Arch. Orthop. Trauma. Surg.94 (1979), 1–9.
Boldrey, E. B., Anterior cervical decompression (without fusion). Presented at the American Academy of Neurological Surgery, Key Biscayne, Florida. November 1964.
Hirsch, C., Cervical disc rupture. Diagnosis and therapy. Acta Orthop. Scand.30 (1960), 172–186.
Hirsch, C., Wickham, I., Ludstrom, A., Cervical disc resection. A follow-up of myelographic and surgical procedure. J. Bone J. Surg.46 A (1964), 1811–1821.
Murphy, M. G., Gado, M., Anterior cervical discectomy without interbody bone graft. J. Neurosurg.37 (1972), 71–74.
Pertuiset, B., Gohannd, D., Lyon-Caen, D., Advances and technical standards in neurosurgery (Krayenbühl, H., ed.), Vol. 5, p. 204. Wien-New York: Springer. 1978.
Martins, A. N., Ant. cervical discectomy with and without interbody fusion graft. J. Neurosurg.44 (1976), 290–295.
Roberts, T., Division of neurosurgery. University of Utah, personal communication.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cuatico, W. Anterior cervical discectomy without interbody fusion. Acta neurochir 57, 269–274 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01664843
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01664843