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.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
I D
ID
Farey
P C
PC
McAfee
R F
RF
Davis
D M
DM
Long
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