Impact of titanium mesh cage slotting width on anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for compression cervical spondylosis with MRI T2WI hyperintensity: a one-year follow-up study

Background Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is a standard surgical procedure for cervical spondylosis with spinal cord compression (CSWSCC), especially in patients with intensity on T2-weighted imaging high signal (T2WIHS). The titanium mesh cage (TMC) utilized in this procedure is essential in stabilizing the spine; however, the optimal slotting width of the TMC remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of TMC slotting width on the clinical and radiological outcomes of ACCF in patients with spinal cord compression type cervical spondylosis with intensity on T2WIHS (CST2WIHS). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients who underwent single-level ACCF between December 2010 and October 2021. The patients were divided into narrower (< 2 mm) and wider (> 2 mm) groups based on the slotting width of the TMC. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were used to assess clinical outcomes. Radiological outcomes included cervical lordosis (CL), functional spinal unit (FSU) height, transverse decompression range (TDR), spinal canal area (SCA), TMC alignment, and subsidence and fusion rates. Results Patients in both groups exhibited significant postoperative improvement in NDI and JOA scores (P < 0.05). Radiologically, patients in the wider slotting group exhibited better decompression, evidenced by a larger TDR (P < 0.01) and smaller postoperative SCA (P < 0.01) than the narrow group. Regarding CL, FSU height, TMC alignment, subsidence, or fusion rates, the groups did not differ significantly. Although statistically non-significant, patients in the wider group exhibited a trend towards improvement in spinal cord signal intensity than those in the narrower group. Conclusion The study demonstrated that a wider TMC slotting width offers superior decompression and may improve postoperative spinal cord signal; it does not compromise spinal stability or fusion outcomes. These findings indicate that slotting width should be carefully considered in ACCF procedures to optimize decompression and spinal cord recovery.