J. Biederer et al., Follow-up radiographs of the cervical spine after anterior fusion with titanium intervertebral disc, ROFO-F RONT, 171(2), 1999, pp. 95-99
Citations number
26
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging
Journal title
ROFO-FORTSCHRITTE AUF DEM GEBIET DER RONTGENSTRAHLEN UND DER BILDGEBENDEN VERFAHREN
Purpose: We examined the postoperative changes of the cervical spine after
treatment of cervical nerve root compression with anterior cervical discect
omy and fusion with a new titanium intervertebral disc. Patients and Method
s: 37 patients were examined prior to, as well as 4 days, 6 weeks, and 7 mo
nths after surgery. Lateral view X-rays and functional imaging were used to
evaluate posture and mobility of the cervical spine, the position of the i
mplants, and the reactions of adjacent bone structures. Results: Implantati
on of the titanium disc led to post-operative distraction of the interverte
bral space and slight lordosis. Within the first 6 months a slight loss of
distraction and re-kyphosis due to impression of the implants into the vert
ebral end-plates were found in all patients. We noted partial infractions i
nto the vertebral end-plates in 10/42 segments and slight mobility of the i
mplants in 14/42 segments. Both groups of patients showed reactive spondylo
sis and local symptoms due to loosening of the implants. The pain subsided
after onset of bone bridging and stable fixation of the loosened discs. Con
clusions: The titanium intervertebral disc provides initial distraction of
the fusioned segments with partial recurrence of kyphosis during the subseq
uent course. Loosening of the implants with local symptoms can be evaluated
with follow-up X-rays and functional imaging.