Integrated screws with cage spacer system in the treatment of cervical spine degenerative disease with a minimum follow-up of 2 years

Abstract

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a widely accepted surgical treatment for cervical degenerative disease.Integrated screws with cage spacer system is a relatively new device designed for patients undergoing ACDF with the dual properties of plating and standalone cage. We are reporting our findings in term of clinico-radiological outcomes following the use of such devices in the treatment of cervical spine degenerative diseases. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, we studied 18 patients treated with integrated screws and cage spacer system for cervical degenerative diseases with a minimum follow up period of 2 years.We compared the preoperative Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score both neck and for arm, neck disability index (NDI), overall cervical sagittal alignment (OSA) and segmental sagittal alignment (SSA) with the postoperative data. The final outcome was assessed with Odom's criteria. Paired student t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of the patient was 46 years (range: 29-63 years) with the mean follow up period of 28 months (range: 24-47 months). The total operated levels were 19.Out of which 11 were at C5-C6 level. The mean pain VAS score for neck and arm along with NDI improved significantly after surgery at last follow up. The mean OSA and SSA improved from 8.00 ± 5.00 to 10.61 ± 3.50 and 3.50 ± 3.20 to 8.11 ± 4.65 at last follow up. X ray showed 100% fusion rate and majority of the patients had a good outcome. Conclusion: Integrated screws and cage spacer device is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases.

Keywords

• anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
• cage system
• cervical spondylosis
• dysphagia
• integrated screws