ROGERS POSTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION - A 3-MONTH RADIOLOGICAL REVIEW

Rogers described his technique of spinal fusion in 1942, and since the n numerous other techniques have been described but no large series de scribing the anatomical results has been reported. To assess the techn ical success of Rogers' technique, to identify factors that contribute to less than ideal anatomical results, and to suggest methods of avoi ding potential pitfalls, the anatomical results of Rogers' posterior c ervical fusion were compared with what we consider an ideal anatomical result by analysis of the 12-week post-operative flexion/extension ra diographs. One hundred and sixty-one Rogers-type posterior cervical fu sions using either zaire or Ethibond were performed for flexion injuri es. The 12-week post-operative flexion extension radiographs were asse ssed for union, fusion of extra levels, residual kyphosis/listhesis, e xcessive lordosis, and hypermobility. Results were related to the pres ence of associated fractures, using the chi(2) test. Bony union was se en in 100 per cent of cases. Fusion of additional levels occurred in 4 0 (25 per cent), residual kyphosis in 54 (34 per cent), listhesis in 1 4 (9 per cent), and excessive lordosis in seven (4 per cent). Hypermob ility at the adjacent level occurred in 10 (6 per cent), and at a dist ant level in Foe (3 per cent). Statistically significant associations occurred between fusion of extra levels and fractures, residual kyphos is and fractures, excessive lordosis with the use of wire rather than Ethibond, and the desired anatomical result with absence of fracture. The Rogers technique is a safe, easy and reliable method of achieving cervical fusion, with a 100 per rent fusion rate at 3 months in this s eries. However, the intended position of fusion, between 1 degrees-5 d egrees of lordosis, with normal alignment is not always achieved. Ther e is also a high incidence of fusion of levels other than those intend ed We believe that the incidence of these problems could be reduced by more attention to surgical detail. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd.