Comparison of bioresorbable and titanium plates in cervical spinal fusion: early radiologic and clinical results.
METHODS
This is a prospective, randomized, and controlled study, approved by the local ethical committee of Saarland (Germany), no. 209/06.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare clinical results, segmental motility, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility, and change of the bone density of a cervical spine segment that was treated with either bioresorbable or titanium plates in single level.


BACKGROUND
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion including plate fixation is an accepted technique for treatment of symptomatic degenerative disc disease. Titanium plates have been used but cause imaging artifacts. Radiolucent bioresorbable plates and screws were developed to reduce the imaging artifacts associated with titanium.


METHODS
Forty patients with single level cervical radiculopathy were randomized to anterior discectomy and fusion with bioresorbable plate (19 patients, study group) or titanium plate (18 patients, control group). Follow-up used a visual analog scale (VAS) with regard to brachial pain and Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck pain. Radiostereometry was performed immediately postoperative and after 6 weeks, 3, and 6 months. MRI of the cervical spine was obtained immediately postoperatively at 3 and 6 months to assess hematoma, infection, and swelling. Computed tomography of the operated cervical spine segment was performed to assess bone density, expressed in Hounsfield units.


RESULTS
Three-dimensional analysis of segmental motion (medio-lateral, cranio-caudal and anterior-posterior) did not reveal any statistical difference between both groups at any time postoperatively (P>0.05). Fusion rate and speed evaluated on Radiostereometric analysis and computed tomography of cervical spine segment were similar in both groups. MRI of cervical spine did not show any pathology, especially hematoma and infection. The VAS and NDI did not differ between both groups after 6 months (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Anterior plate fixation by using a bioresorbable plate has the same fusion progress and stability as titanium. During the study, no complications like soft tissue swelling and infection occurred.
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany. dr_a_nabhan@hotmail.com
Abdullah
A
Nabhan
Basem
B
Ishak
Oliver
O
Steimer
Anna
A
Zimmer
Tobias
T
Pitzen
Wolf-Ingo
WI
Steudel
Dietrich
D
Pape
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001577:Benzophenones; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007659:Ketones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011108:Polymers; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014025:Titanium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001577:Benzophenones; D007659:Ketones; D011108:Polymers; C063834:polyetheretherketone; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D014025:Titanium