Outcome after cervical anterior fusion - A clinical study of 368 patients

Aim: The object of this study was to identify those factors with a direct influence on the treatment outcome of anterior cervical fusion. The clinical relevance of intervertebral cage subsidence in the course of disease is discussed. Material and Methods: In a prospective clinical study we followed up 368 patients with degenerative disease of the cervical spine one year after anterior fusion and cage implantation. Results: We found a statistically significant association between a good outcome and young adults with monosegmental fusion of the lower cervical spine. Conclusions: Early treatment of moderate degenerative cervical disc diseases using an intervertebral cage and anterior fusion leads to a good outcome. Subsidence of the cage does not correlate with a poor outcome.