Cervical interbody xenograft with plate fixation: evaluation of fusion after 7 years of use in post-traumatic discoligamentous instability.

摘要

STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study analyzed clinical and radiologic follow-up evaluations of cervical arthrodesis where interbody xenograft combined with internal fixation was used for management of post-traumatic discoligamentous instability. OBJECTIVES: To report results of use of xenograft to avoid the various disadvantages linked to the use of autologous or allogenous bone graft. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Ligamentous instability of the cervical spine is unlikely to heal in a high proportion of cases, and surgical arthrodesis is usually indicated. Anterior arthrodesis has proved to be a safe procedure, but many problems are associated with the use of autograft or allograft. Given the great number of xenograft procedures, there are relatively few reports in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed a consecutive series of 52 patients presenting with post-traumatic discoligamentous instability of the cervical spine in which cervical interbody xenografts with plate fixations were done. Follow-up clinical evaluation for neck pain and radiologic evaluation for arthrodesis stability and xenograft fusion at various points in time were done. RESULTS: The long-term results in 41 patients were satisfactory: no infectious complications, extrusion, fracture, loss of height, or resorption of the graft. Seventy-five percent fusion was seen before 9 months after surgery, and 100% fusion was seen 3-18 months after surgery (average, 7.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: Interbody xenograft combined with a rigid plate fixation avoids the problems linked to autologous or allogenous bone graft and gives a safe and solid interbody fusion when arthrodesis is required in ligamentous instability of the cervical spine.