Radiologic changes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using allograft and plate augmentation: comparison of using fixed and variable type screw.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate radiologic result of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with allobone graft and plate augmentation, and the change of radiologic outcome between screw type and insertion angle.


METHODS
Retrospective review of clinical and radiological data of 29 patients. Segmental angle, height and screw angles were measured and followed. The fusion rate was assessed by plain radiography and CT scans. We divided the patients into two groups according to screw type and angles. Group A: fixed screw, Group B: variable screw. Interscrew angle was measured between most upper and lower screws with Cobb's methods.


RESULTS
Overall fusion rate was 86.2% on plain radiography. Fusion was also assessed by CT scan and Bridwell's grading system. There was no difference in fusion and subsidence rates between two groups. Subsidence was found in 5 patients (17.2%). Segmental lordotic angle was increased from preoperative status and maximized at the immediate postoperative period and then reduced at 1 year follow up. Segmental height showed similar increase and decrease values.


CONCLUSIONS
ACDF with allograft and plate showed favorable fusion rates, and the screw type and angle did not affect results of surgery.
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Keun
K
Oh
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Chul Kyu
CK
Lee
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Nam Kyu
NK
You
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Sang Hyun
SH
Kim
Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Ki Hong
KH
Cho
Allograft, Plate construct; Anterior cervical fusion; Fixed and Variable screws; Subsidence