Pseudarthrosis of the cervical spine after anterior arthrodesis. Treatment by posterior nerve-root decompression, stabilization, and arthrodesis.
Nineteen consecutive patients who had a symptomatic pseudarthrosis after a failed anterior cervical arthrodesis were treated by a posterior nerve-root decompression and arthrodesis. The indications for the operation were radiculopathy in the absence of myelopathy and evidence of a pseudarthrosis on lateral flexion and extension radiographs. The average duration of follow-up was forty-four months (range, twenty-four to fifty-four months). A solid fusion was achieved in all patients, and the radiculopathy was relieved in all but one. The motor weakness that had been present in four patients preoperatively resolved completely.
Farey
I D
ID
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
McAfee
P C
PC
Davis
R F
RF
Long
D M
DM
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000601:surgery