title: Hollow cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate strut for spinal reconstruction after single-level cervical corpectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This prospective study was conducted to assess the safety of using a cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) strut for fusion and reconstruction of the cervical spine after single-level cervical corpectomy. The authors describe the clinical results obtained in patients after surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four patients underwent single-level cervical corpectomy, fusion, and spinal reconstruction that involved the placement of hollow cylindrical PMMA struts. In each patient, the spine was reinforced with anterior cervical plates. The PMMA struts were filled with autologous bone obtained from the resected vertebral body. Follow-up radiographic evaluation involved plain lateral dynamic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans. Neurological status was assessed pre- and postoperatively using the Nurick Scale. A total of 46 patients (85.1%) attended follow-up visits for a minimum of 2 years. Spinal stability was documented in all patients on 12-month plain dynamic lateral radiographs; in 37 patients (80.4%), complete osseous fusion was demonstrated on the 12-month CT reconstructions. In the remaining nine patients, complete fusion had been achieved by 24 months. The overall mean preoperative Nurick grade was 2.94 +/- 0.97, and this improved significantly to 1.71 +/- 0.77 (p < 0.05) by 24 months. There were no complications related to the hollow cylindrical PMMA strut.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this preliminary study indicate that hollow cylindrical PMMA struts can be safely used in cervical fusion after single-level corpectomy and that the clinical results are satisfactory. The hollow cylindrical PMMA strut is a good substitute for spinal reconstruction and fusion when combined with plate fixation in patients who have undergone anterior cervical single-level corpectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Neurospinal Section, Chang Gung University, Medical College and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China. chenjf@adm.cgmh.org.tw
authors.forename: Jyi-Feng
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chieh-Tsai
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Sai-Cheung
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Shih-Tseng
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate