Evaluation of donor site pain after anterior iliac crest harvesting for cervical fusion: a prospective study on 50 patients

Correlation Between Cervical Spine Sagittal Alignment and Clinical Outcome After Standalone Intersomatic Titanium Cage CeSPACE for Cervical Anterior Discectomy and Fusion in Cervical Degenerative Disk Diseases

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between cervical spine sagittal alignment and clinical outcomes after using a standalone intersomatic titanium cage CeSPACE for anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis. We present our clinical experience in a group of 180 patients with a mean follow-up for at least 2 years. Patients were evaluated by clinical and radiological assessment preoperatively, immediately after surgery and at regular follow-up. There were 97 male and 83 female patients (average age: 56.6 years) who were preoperatively affected by cervical radiculomyelopathy that was due to spondylosis or cervical disk herniation and who underwent surgical treatment. All patients underwent an anterior discectomy and interbody fusion through the positioning of one or more levels of the CeSPACE device. Compared with the preoperative scores, improvement was seen in postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI) values. The standalone intersomatic titanium cage CeSPACE for anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis improved radiculomyelopathy and increased the probability of cervical kyphotic alignment. However, cervical sagittal alignment after surgery was not significantly associated with clinical outcomes in terms of postoperative improvement in VAS scores and NDI values. Similarly, the change in cervical sagittal alignment was not related to visual analog scale scores or Neck Disability Index values.

A Novel Local Cancellous Autograft Source for Anterior Cervical Discectomy With Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

OBJECTIVES

Successful clinical outcome scores following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) have been correlated with high fusion rate. Published fusion rates using iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) have been shown to be as high as 100% for single-level fusions in some studies; however, there is potential associated morbidity with ICBG harvest. This technical description and preliminary case series assessed the clinical efficacy and results of a novel grafting technique for ACDF.

METHODS

Twelve patients underwent novel grafting technique for ACDF in which autograft was procured from the cervical vertebra adjacent to the operative disk. Patients were followed for 2 years using visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and radiological assessment of fusion.

RESULTS

Patients experienced clinically meaningful reduction of radicular symptoms in the affected arm(s) with an average preoperative VAS score of 5.0 ± 0.8 and an average 2-year postoperative score of 1.108 ± 0.475 (P = .0013). Patients also experienced significant resolution of neck pain with an average preoperative VAS score of 7.1 ± 0.5 and average 2-year postoperative score of 2.708 ± 0.861 (P = .0018). All patients achieved solid fusion by 1 year. There were no major or minor complications noted during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure allows for both autograft harvest and cervical decompression to be performed through a single incision. In this series, this technique eliminated the morbidity associated with autograft harvest from the iliac crest while achieving high fusion rates and without additional technique-related complications.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules: a preliminary report

Background

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an alternative to conservative therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy. This study evaluated the clinical outcome of ACDF with BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with cervical spondylopathy received treatment of ACDF with BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Meanwhile, the cervical curvature and intervertebral heights were obtained through lateral cervical X-ray films pre- and postoperatively at each interval, and the precision of cervical fusion was assessed by three-dimensional computed tomography scan.

Results

The follow-up averaged 15.2 months (range 13–18). Average JOA scores significantly increased from a preoperative point (7.4 ± 1.2) to each interval after surgery (P < 0.05). NDI decreased from preoperative point (43.1 ± 9.0) to each interval after surgery (P < 0.05). The angles of cervical curvature and intervertebral heights were improved postoperatively and kept throughout the follow-up period. CT scan demonstrated a fusion rate of 82.9% at 6 months postoperatively and was improved to 100% at 12 months postoperatively. In all cases, no complications appeared and reported due to any lapse in surgical procedure skills throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules will be an effective alternative to autogenous bone grafting for cervical fusion in treating cervical spondylopathy. Our surgical procedure usingβ-tricalcium phosphate granules could improve neurological function, recover intervertebral height and cervical curvature, and could be potentially exploitable in the clinical setting.

Complications and Risk Factors Using Structural Allograft Versus Synthetic Cage: Analysis 17 783 Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusions Using a National Registry

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rates of perioperative complications in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with allograft versus synthetic cage.

METHODS

A large national administrative health care database was queried for ACDF procedures performed between 2007 and 2014 using ICD-9 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 9th revision) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. Cases that utilized structural allograft and synthetic cages were identified via CPT codes. Gender, age, frequency of obesity, cigarette use, diabetes, and number of levels fused were compared between the 2 cohorts using χ² test. Complications within 90 days were identified via ICD-9 codes and compared between the 2 cohorts. Revision rates within 2 years were noted.

RESULTS

A total of 10 648 ACDF cases using synthetic cages and 7135 ACDFs using structural allograft were identified. The demographics between the 2 cohorts were similar. Overall complication rate was 8.71% in the synthetic cage group compared with 7.76% in the structural allograft group (P < .01). Use of synthetic cage was associated with higher rate of respiratory complications, 0.57% compared with 0.31% in the structural allograft cohort (P = .03), while use of structural allograft was associated with a higher rate of dysphagia, 0.64% compared with 0.33% (P < .01). Revision rate at 2 years was 0.50% and 0.56% in the synthetic cage and allograft groups, respectively (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

This data suggests that synthetic cages are associated with a marginally higher overall rate of complications with similar revision rates.

Posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy through lamina-hole approach for cervical intervertebral disc herniation

BACKGROUND

The optimal PECD surgical approach for cervical intervertebral disc herniation (CIVDH) remains controversial. The conventional posterior K-hole approach for PECD leads to damage of facet joint.

OBJECTIVES

This article is to first describe a novel posterior lamina-hole approach of percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD) for CIVDH. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and short-term clinical effect of this approach.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective observational study of all patients managed with posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PPECD) using the lamina-hole approach for symptomatic single-level CIVDH between January 2015 and January 2016. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the visual analog scale, modified MacNab criteria and radiographical results.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (seven women, five men) were enrolled in the study. Positive clinical response for pain relief was achieved in these patients receiving PPECD through lamina-hole approach for CIVDH. Postoperative MRI showed complete removal of the disc material in all the patients, no failure due to residual fragment was observed.

CONCLUSION

As an alternative surgical approach of PPECD, PPECD through lamina-hole approach is a novel access for CIVDH and may be considered a valid and safe therapeutic option for CIVDH. The advantages of this approach are not only providing a valid and secure access to herniated cervical intervertebral fragment but also avoiding the iatrogenic damage to the facet joint and relevant functional spinal unit (FSU). Theoretically, the potential of secondary degeneration of FSU is low.

Chronic Morbidity of a Pilot Hole Burr Technique for Anterior Iliac Crest Autograft in Cervical Fusion

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion is a commonly performed procedure for cervical pathology. Graft choices include autograft, allograft, xenograft, synthetic, or a combination. Autograft has been shown to increase fusion rate compared with allograft, yet high morbidity at the harvest site has been reported. Few studies have evaluated chronic graft site pain, and to the authors' knowledge, no study has evaluated morbidity of a pilot hole burr technique for anterior iliac crest harvest. The objective of this study was to evaluate chronic morbidity of anterior iliac crest harvest in anterior cervical decompression and fusion using a pilot hole burr technique. A phone survey was used to identify chronic morbidity. Number of levels fused, age, sex, and acute graft site complications were explored to evaluate impact of patient characteristics on chronic graft site pain. A total of 140 patients met inclusion criteria; 106 patients (76%) completed the phone survey. Mean follow-up was 38.9 months. Two patients (1.9%) reported current and constant graft site pain. Nine patients (8.5%) reported intermittent pain. Average numeric pain rating scale score for survey participants was 0.25 of 10. No patients were taking narcotics for graft site pain. Two patients (1.9%) reported functional impairment secondary to the graft site pain. There was no impact of number of levels fused, age, sex, or acute graft site complications on chronic graft site pain. The pilot hole burr technique resulted in low long-term morbidity and may offer an alternative to traditional methods for those wishing to use autologous graft in anterior cervical decompression and fusion. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(1):e68-e73.].

Morbidity and Safety of Iliac Crest Reference Array Pins in Navigated Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Navigated total hip arthroplasty (THA) can employ intra-osseous pins through a separate incision to secure reference arrays to the iliac crest. This study is the first to investigate the consequences of pin use in THA in vivo.

METHODS

A prospective, consecutive series of 43 patients presenting for navigated THA were included. Two temporary 125 × 4 mm Schanz screws were inserted into the iliac crest for the attachment of a reference array. Telephone follow-up occurred at 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively. Patients were asked about pain, interference with daily activities, how often the wound was noticed, and duration of discomfort. Patient body mass index was recorded.

RESULTS

The follow-up rate was 100%. Pin site pain at any time post-operatively was reported by 24 patients (56%). This improved to 30%, 9%, and 2% at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively. On average, pain lasted for 16 days total. The most common complaints after pain were clothing discomfort (23%), pain when wearing a belt (12%), or pain when mobilizing (9%). For the majority (98%) of patients, all symptoms had resolved by 12 weeks. There was no nerve injury, pin site fracture, infection, or screw breakage. Patients with body mass index greater than 30 kg/m² were up to 3 times more likely to experience pin site pain (P = .05), and had a longer duration of pain (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Surgeons and patients should be aware that using navigational pins for array fixation carries low complication rates but often will cause pain and irritation that resolves in the short term.

Anatomic feasibility of a new endopelvic approach for iliac crest bone harvesting

PURPOSE

For the past few years, anterior exposure for surgery of the lumbar spine has gained popularity for the treatment of disk disease or spondylosis. Cancellous bone remains the gold standard for fusion. Iliac crest bone harvesting is safe but there are donor site complications. Bone substitutes exist, like recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 rhBMP-2. This alternative offers a high rate of fusion but with local and general complications. The aim of our study is to show the feasibility of an endopelvic approach for iliac bone crest harvesting to avoid donor site complication.

METHOD

Twenty anterior retroperitoneal lumbar spine approaches have been realized in the anatomy department of the University of Bordeaux. The volumes of cancellous bone have been measured and procedure complications have been reported.

RESULTS

The mean volume of cancellous bone was 5.9 cc, the maximum volume was 8.2 cc and the minimum volume was 4.5 cc. No complications have been reported during the approach or the bone harvesting.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior retroperitoneal approach for iliac bone crest harvesting is a safe way to obtain sufficient volume of cancellous bone for a single lumbar spinal fusion. This exposure avoids the risks of an iliac crest donor site complications or rhBMP-2 complications.

The Evaluation of Donor Site Pain After Harvest of Tricortical Anterior Iliac Crest Bone Graft for Spinal Surgery: A Prospective Study

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to prospectively observe donor site pain, health-related quality-of-life outcomes, and complications following harvest of tricortical anterior iliac crest bone graft (AICBG) for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Persistent donor site pain from the anterior iliac crest has been reported to range between 2% and 40%. This morbidity has led surgeons to consider interbody alternatives for ACDF, which carry additional costs.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 50 patients from 2 tertiary care centers over the course of 1 year observing complications and patient-reported outcomes. Patients filled out SF-12 and numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain in the arm, neck, and donor site pre-operatively and at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 to 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Outcomes were compared with a control group undergoing ACDF with allograft or Polyether ether ketone cages at 1 year.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD donor site pain at 1 week was 5.6 ± 2.8 but decreased to 2.2 ± 2.4 at 6 weeks and 1.1 ± 1.8 at 1 year (P < 0.001). Including the 3 patients who were lost to follow-up, 10% of patients may have experienced persistent moderate or worse pain at 1 year. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative opioid use was an independent risk factor for increased donor site pain at 1 and 2 weeks (P < 0.05). There were no differences in outcomes at 1 year compared with the nonautograft group. There were 2 (4%) minor wound complications, both treated successfully with oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Tricortical AICBG for ACDF is not associated with major complications and only 4% of patients (potentially, maximum of 10%) experienced moderate, persistent donor site pain at 1 year. There is no difference in health-related outcomes between patients who have autograft with those who did not at 1 year. Preoperative opioid use is associated with increased donor site pain within the first 2 weeks postoperatively but not in the long term. At 6 weeks postoperatively, patients can expect the majority of their donor site pain to be resolved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Anterior cervical corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: Reconstruction with expandable cylindrical cage versus iliac crest autograft. A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To compare retrospectively the clinical and radiographic outcomes between cervical reconstruction with expandable cylindrical cage (ECC) and iliac crest autograft after one- or two-level anterior cervical corpectomy for spondylotic myelopathy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients underwent cervical reconstruction with either iliac crest autograft and plating (20 patients) or ECC and plating (22 patients). The average clinical and radiological follow-up period was 77.54 ± 44.28 months (range 14-155 months). The authors compared clinical parameters (Nurick Myelopathy Grade, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores), perioperative parameters (hospital stays, complications) and radiological parameters (Cobb's angles of the fused segments and C2-C7 segments, cervical subsidence, fusion rate). Fusion was assessed on flexion-extension X-ray films.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the two groups were found in demographics, neurological presentation, preoperative sagittal alignment, clinical improvement and length of hospitalization. Patients of the autograft group experienced more postoperative complications, although the difference between the two treatment groups was not statistically significant (15 versus 4.5%, p=0.232). The fusion rate was 100% in both groups. The average lordotic increase of the segmental angle was significantly greater in the ECC group (p<0.05). Other radiological parameters were not significantly different in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Cervical reconstruction either with iliac crest autograft and plating or ECC and plating provides good clinical results and similar fusion rates after one- or two-level corpectomy for spondylotic myelopathy. However, the use of ECC obviates donor site complications and provides a more significant increase of lordosis in segmental angle.

Autologous clavicle bone graft for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with titanium interbody cage

A variety of donor-site complications have been reported for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using autologous iliac bone graft. To minimize such morbidities and to obtain optimal bony fusion at the ACDF surgery, a novel technique was used to harvest cancellous bone from the autologous clavicle instead of the popular iliac crest graft. After a routine cervical discectomy of the affected level, a 1.5-cm linear skin incision was made over the clavicle within 2.5 cm of the sternoclavicular joint on the medial one-third portion. This portion is known as an anatomically safe zone, with no subcutaneous distribution of the supraclavicular nerve. Then, cancellous bone was harvested through a small cortical window developed on the clavicle. Care was taken not to injure the subclavian major vessels and the lung below the clavicle. A box-type titanium cage was packed with the harvested cancellous bone and then inserted into the discectomy-treated space for cervical interbody fusion. From 2009 to 2013, 16 patients with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy underwent single-level ACDF with this method. All but 1 patient experienced significant improvement of clinical symptoms after the surgery and showed radiographic evidence of solid bony fusion and spinal stabilization within 6 months. Further, no peri- and postoperative complications at the clavicular donor site were noted. The mean visual analog scale pain score (range 0 [no pain to 10 [maximum pain]) at 1 year after the surgery was 0.1, and 13 of 14 patients with data at 1-year follow-up were highly satisfied with their donor-site cosmetic outcome. The clavicle is a safe, reliable, and technically easy source of autologous bone graft that yields optimal fusion rates and patient satisfaction with ACDF surgery.

How can we optimize anterior iliac crest bone harvesting? An anatomical and radiological study

PURPOSE

Anterior iliac crest bone is a widely used donor site for bone harvesting. It provides an autologous bone graft consisting of cancellous bone that can be packed or cortical bone with greater structural support. Uses include spinal fusion and fracture non-union surgery. Although its use is common, dedicated anatomical and radiological studies analysing graft dimensions and optimal harvesting site in relation to local anatomical landmarks [anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), anterior iliac tubercle (AIT) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN)] have not been described.

METHODS

Twenty-eight female hemipelvises were dissected for this study. The LFCN, ASIS and AIT were identified. Calliper measurements and CT scan analysis were undertaken to determine the optimum positions in obtaining a 5-mm-thickness tricortical graft whilst remaining safe for the LFCN.

RESULTS

According to our measurements, the optimal location for harvesting a 5-mm-thick tricortical graft with 35-mm height and 47-mm width is situated anterior to a line passing at the level of the thickest point of the AIT. This thickest point was situated at a mean 67 mm from the centre of the EIAS in our study.

CONCLUSION

This anatomical and radiographic study determined the anatomical iliac crest landmarks to avoid neurological injury when taking an optimal 5-mm-width tricortical bone graft.

Plasmapore-coated titanium cervical cages induce more rapid and complete bone fusion after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as compared to noncoated titanium cages

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the solid bone fusion rates between Plasmapore-coated titanium cages (PPC group) and non-Plasmapore-coated titanium cages (N-PPC group) in patients who received anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF).

METHODS

Of 78 patients who received ACDF at the hospital, a follow-up period greater than 2 years was possible for 61 patients, including 30 in the PPC group and 42 in the N-PPC group. Evaluations were performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Radiological stabilization (RS) was defined as the restriction of spinous process movement to <3 mm and the absence of a halo around the cages on flexion-extension radiographs. Solid bone fusion (SBF) was defined as the formation of bony bridges between the fixed vertebral bodies in sagittal computed tomography sections. The rates of RS and SBF were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

The differences in RS were not significant between the 2 groups during the follow-up period. However, the SBF rates at 6 and 12 months were significantly higher in the PPC group (26.7% and 56.7%) than in the N-PPC group (5% and 21.4%). Moreover, 63.3% (19 of 30) of patients in the PPC group demonstrated RS at 3 months, and of these patients, SBF was observed in 100% (19 patients) after 24 months, respectively. In comparison, the SBF rates in the N-PPC group were 86%.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasmapore-coated titanium cages enabled more rapid solid bone fusion. We suggest that these types of cages might help to reduce postoperative radiograms.

Morbidity associated with anterior iliac crest bone graft

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the morbidity of the harvest of the anterior iliac bone graft and the overall satisfaction rates in a group of patients who underwent harvesting of iliac crest bone graft.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent iliac crest bone graft procedures from January 2002 to August 2009 were recalled and invited to answer a questionnaire about postoperative pain, sensory disturbance, functional limitations, and cosmetic appearance.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients were included in this retrospective study. Seventeen patients (28%) reported postoperative pain. A patient reported an intraoperative hip fracture. Sensory disturbances were reported by 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior iliac crest can still be considered a favorable donor site for preprosthetic and cleft surgery. Given its relatively low morbidity rate, early ambulation, and hospital discharge, anterior iliac crest still remains the donor site of choice according to the authors.

Radiographic Comparison of Four Anterior Fusion Methods in Two Level Cervical Disc Diseases : Autograft Plate Fixation versus Cage Plate Fixation versus Stand-Alone Cage Fusion versus Corpectomy and Plate Fixation

Objective

To evaluate radiographic results of anterior fusion methods in two-level cervical disc disease : tricortical autograft and plate fixation (ACDF-AP), cage and plate fixation (ACDF-CP), stand-alone cage (ACDF-CA), and corpectomy and plate fixation (ACCF).

Methods

The numbers of patients were 70 with a minimum 6 month follow-up (ACDF-AP : 12, ACDF-CP : 27, ACDF-CA : 15, and ACCF : 16). Dynamic simple X-ray and computed tomography were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, 6 month, and at the final follow-up. The fusion and subsidence rates at the final were determined, and global cervical lordosis (GCL), cervical range of motion, fused segment angle (FSA), and fused segment height (FSH) were analyzed.

Results

Nonunion was observed in 4 (25%) patients with ACDF-CA, 1 (8%) patient with ACDF-AP, 1 (4%) patient with ACDF-CP. The number of loss of FSH (%) more than 3 mm were 2 patients (16%) in ACDF-AP, 3 patients (11%) in ACDF-CP, 5 patients (33%) in ACDF-CA, and 3 patients (20%) in ACCF. The GCL was decreased with ACDF-CA and increased with others. The FSA was increased with ACDF-AP, ACDF-CP, and ACCF, but ACDF-CA was decreased. At the final follow-up, the FSH was slightly decreased in ACDF-CP, ACDF-AP, and ACCF, but ACDF-CA was more decreased. Graft related complication were minimal. Screw loosening, plate fracture, cage subsidence and migration were not identified.

Conclusion

ACDF-CP demonstrated a higher fusion rate and less minimal FSH loss than the other fusions in two-level cervical disc disease. The ACDF-AP and ACCF methods had a better outcome than the ACDF-CA with respect to GCL, FSA, and FSH.

Peripheral catheter techniques

With ultrasound, continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) are one of the most recent developments in regional anesthesia in children. CPNBs are now used more widely in children because more suitable materials have been marketed, allowing complete, and prolonged postoperative pain control. Their use after orthopedic procedures in children and treatment for complex regional pain syndrome in adolescents has demonstrated the benefits. Perineural catheters have also shown their superiority over other techniques of continuous regional anesthesia in terms of side effects. The efficiency and the safety of these techniques may facilitate early ambulation with improved pain management, treatment at home with disposable pumps, and improved rehabilitation of children. Studies on large cohorts of patients published to date have failed to highlight any severe complications in their use compared with other adult studies. Accidents owing to systemic toxicity are very unlikely if the recommended maximum dose is not exceeded. The safety of continuous regional anesthesia techniques in children relies on the use of low-concentration l-enantiomer solutions (ropivacaine or levobupivacaine) accompanied by low plasma concentrations of local anesthetics, limiting the risk of systemic toxicity of these molecules. CPNB can ensure strong and lasting analgesia in hospital or at home.

β-Tricalcium phosphate promotes bony fusion after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using titanium cages

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effectiveness of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules as a packing material in the titanium cages for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), compared with the conventional hydroxyapatite (HA) granules.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

ACDF using titanium cages is a standard procedure for the treatment of cervical spinal degenerative diseases. Synthetic bone substitutes are widely used to pack the titanium cage to augment intervertebral bony fusion, but the efficacy has not been confirmed.

METHODS

Fusion condition was evaluated on lateral radiographs and computed tomography. Complete fusion of the treated segments was defined by three criteria: movement of the spinous process at flexion and extension positions of less than 3 mm, bony bridging between vertebral bodies, and absence of the halo around the titanium cage. The evaluation was performed at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Intervertebral fusion was studied in patients who underwent ACDF using β-TCP (93 segments of 57 patients) or HA (72 segments of 48 patients) packing of cylindrical titanium cages. Complete fusion rate at 6 months and 1 year was significantly better in the β-TCP group (46% at 6 months and 69% at 1 year) than in the HA group (24% at 6 months and 49% at 1 year), but the rate was similar at 2 years in the β-TCP group (94%) and the HA group (90%). There were no material-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory final fusion rates were obtained after ACDF using both β-TCP- and HA-packed titanium cages. β-TCP showed higher fusion rate in the early stage after surgery and can be recommended as a bone substitute for ACDF with titanium cages.

The effect of a single dose of bupivacaine on donor site pain after anterior iliac crest bone harvesting

Transplants from the anterior iliac crest are used for most reconstructive procedures in cranio-maxillofacial surgery. The advantages are easy accessibility, the ability to work in two teams and the amount of corticocancellous bone available; disadvantages are postoperative pain and gait disturbances. To reduce donor-site pain, the effect of a single dose of bupivacaine (10 cc of 2.5mg/cc with 1:80.000 epinephrine) was studied. 200 consecutive patients, who underwent anterior iliac crest bone harvesting for reconstructive procedures, were randomly divided into those receiving bupivacaine and those not. They completed a standardized questionnaire. Patients scored the intensity of the pain and difficulties walking at different times with a visual analogue scale. They recorded analgesics used. 98 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. No differences between the bupivacaine and the control group were detected for postoperative pain and gait disturbance. There is no support for administration of a single dose of bupivacaine to reduce pain in the first postoperative days. The surface area of the removed bone had a significant influence on pain and walking; pain is related to the local osseous damage or periosteal stripping rather than to the length of incision or the operation time.

Techniques for cervical interbody grafting

Object

The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to determine the efficacy of interbody graft techniques.

Methods

The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to cervical interbody grafting. Abstracts were reviewed and studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgerons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results

Autograft bone harvested from the iliac crest, allograft bone from either cadaveric iliac crest or fibula, or titanium cages and rectangular fusion devices, with or without the use of autologous graft or substitute, have been successful in creating arthrodesis after 1- or 2-level anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (Class II). Alternatives to autograft, allograft, or titanium cages include polyetheretherketone cages and carbon fiber cages (Class III). Polyetheretherketone cages have been used successfully with or without hydroxyapatite for anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. Importantly, recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 carries a complication rate of up to 23–27% (especially local edema) compared with 3% for a standard approach.

Conclusions

Current evidence does not support the routine use of interbody grafting for cervical arthrodesis. Multiple strategies for interbody grafting have been successful with Class II evidence supporting the use of autograft, allograft, and titanium cages.

Mid- to long-term outcome of instrumented anterior cervical fusion for subaxial injuries

The management of patients with subaxial cervical injuries lacks consensus, particularly in regard to the decision which surgical approach or combination of approaches to use and which approach yields the best clinical outcome in the distinct injury. The trauma literature is replete with reports of surgical techniques, complications and gross outcome assessment in heterogeneous samples. However, data on functional and clinical outcome using validated outcome measures are scanty. Therefore, the authors performed a study on plated anterior cervical decompression and fusion for unstable subaxial injuries with focus on clinical outcome. For the purpose of a strongly homogenous subgroup of patients with subaxial injuries without spinal cord injuries, robust criteria were applied that were fulfilled by 28 patients out of an original series of 131 subaxial injuries. Twenty-six patients subjected to 1- and 2-level fusions without having spinal cord injury could be surveyed after a mean of 5.5 years (range 16-128 months). The cervical spine injury severity score averaged 9.6. Cross-sectional outcome assessment included validated outcome measures (Neck pain disability index, Cervical Spine Outcome Questionnaire, SF-36), the investigation of construct failure and successful surgical outcome were defined by strict criteria, the reconstruction and maintenance of local and total cervical lordosis, adjacent-segment degeneration and intervertebral motion, and the fusion-rate using an interobserver assessment. Self-rated clinical outcome was excellent or good in 81% of patients and moderate or poor in 19% that corresponded to the results of the validated outcome measures. Results of the NPDI averaged 12.4 +/- 12.7% (0-40). With the SF-36 mean physical and mental component summary scores were 47.0 +/- 9.8 (18.2-59.3) and 52.2 +/- 12.4 (14.6-75.3), respectively. Using merely non-constrained plates, construct failure was observed in 31% of cases and loss of local lordosis, expressed as a mean injury angle of 14 degrees, postoperative angle of -5.5 degrees and follow-up angle of -1 degree, was significant. However, total cervical lordosis was within the limits of normalcy (-24.3 degrees +/- 13.3) and fusion-rate was 88.5%. The progression of adjacent-level degeneration was shown to be significantly influenced by a decreased plate-to-disc-distance. Adjacent-level intervertebral motion was not altered due to the adjacent fusion, but reduced in the presence of advanced adjacent-level degeneration. Patients were more likely to maintain a high satisfaction level if they succeeded to maintain segmental lordosis (<0 degree), had a solid fusion, an increased plate-to-disc distance, and if they were judged to have a successful surgical outcome that included the absence of construct failure and reconstruction of lordosis within +/-1 SD of normalcy. Using validated outcome vehicles the interdependencies between radiographical, functional and clinical outcome parameters could be substantiated with statistically significant correlations. The use of validated outcome vehicles in a subgroup of patients with plated anterior cervical fusions for subaxial injuries is recommended. With future studies, it enables objective comparison of surgical techniques and related radiographical, functional and clinical outcome.

Long term outcome and adjacent disc degeneration after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with titanium cylindrical cages

BACKGROUND

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is widely performed for the treatment of cervical spinal degenerative disease. Autogenic or allogenic bone grafts are used for interbody fusion with satisfactory long term outcomes. However, harvest of the autograft causes donor site complications and allograft is associated with low fusion rate. Threaded titanium cages (TC) have recently been introduced to cope with these disadvantages, but there is little evidence of long term results.

METHODS

The long term outcome was studied after ACDF using TC. Clinical and imaging follow up was performed in 41 patients for at least 5 years (range 5-8.3 years). New computer-assisted measurement methods for radiographs are proposed.

FINDINGS

ACDF with TC achieved 80% excellent or good outcome by Odom's criteria, 95% fusion rate, and few minor complications. Asymptomatic adjacent disc degeneration was detected in 50% of the patients by our measurement methods. However, symptomatic adjacent disc degeneration occurred in 5% of the patients and only 2% required additional surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are comparable or better than those after ACDF with autograft or allograft. ACDF with TC can achieve rigid fixation and provide good long term results.

Donor site morbidity following iliac crest bone harvesting for cervical fusion: a comparison between minimally invasive and open techniques

We have studied the occurrence of donor site morbidity, cosmesis and overall satisfaction with graft procedure in 76 patients who had undergone iliac crest bone harvesting for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Totally 24 patients underwent an open procedure and 52 a minimally invasive trephine harvesting method. Although our study demonstrated substantial donor site pain and its effect on ambulation in both groups, this was of limited duration. Two patients, one in each group, suffered long-term pain that was eventually resolved. Totally 8.3% of patients in the open group suffered minor complications and 11.5% in the trephine group. There were two cases of meralgia parasthetica. There were no major complications in either group. There was no statistically significant difference in morbidity between the open and trephine groups. There was a trend towards significance (P = 0.076) for pain at the donor site, with less pain reported by patients who underwent the trephine procedure for harvesting.