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Instability of the cervical spine after anterior interbody fusion

A study on its incidence and clinical significance in 21 patients

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Summary

Twenty-one patients suffering from cervical spondylosis and peripheral symptoms underwent uncomplicated anterior interbody fusion of the cervical spine and were re-examined clinically and radiologically at 27 ± 15 months (mean ± SD) after the operation. Translatory displacement of the segment adjacent to the fusion level was noted in 14 patients. Its incidence could not be related to the age and sex of the patient, to extent of the fusion, or to post-operative time. Anterior slippage did not correlate with persistent or recurring pain.

Zusammenfassung

21 Patienten mit zervikaler Spondylose wurden durchschnittlich 27 ± 15 Monate nach einer unkomplizierten vorderen Fusion der Halswirbelsäule untersucht. Röntgenologisch fand sich bei 14 Patienten eine vordere Instabilität des angrenzenden Segments. Ihr Auftreten korrelierte nicht mit dem Alter und Geschlecht des Patienten, mit der Fusionsstrecke oder mit dem postoperativen Zeitraum. Anhaltende oder wiederkehrende Schmerzen konnten ebenfalls in keinen Zusammenhang mit der Instabilität gebracht werden.

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Döhler, J.R., Kahn, M.R.H. & Hughes, S.P.F. Instability of the cervical spine after anterior interbody fusion. Arch. Orth. Traum. Surg. 104, 247–250 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00450219

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00450219

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