Comparative Study between Implantation of an Empty Polyethylethylketone Cage versus Cage with Bone Graft in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Mashal, Yasser Ahmed; Samir, Mohamed Ahmed; Morsy, Ahmed Ali; Salama, Hosny Hassan

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2022.238381

Comparative Study between Implantation of an Empty Polyethylethylketone Cage versus Cage with Bone Graft in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejhm.2022.238381

Abstract

Background: Cervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative process of the cervical spine that affects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs of the neck and may progress into disc herniation, bone spur formation, compression of the spinal cord. The majority of cervical spine disorders are self-limited and may be treated non-operatively.
Objective: To compare implantation of empty polyethylethylketone cage versus cage with bone graft in Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion regarding clinical improvement & radiological fusion rate and cage subsidence.
Patients and Methods: 48 patients suffering from 2 levels or more cervical degenerative disc disease who were unresponsive to medical treatment were divided into 2 groups: Group A: Included 17 patients who underwent ACDF with an empty cage. Group B: Included 15 patients who underwent the same procedure with cages with bone grafts.
Results: The mean operative time in our study in group A was 128.3±11.63 while in group B was 125.77±14.16 with no significant difference between the 2 groups (p=0.00**). The mean amount of blood loss in group A was 178.11±11.63 while in group B was 172.77±14.16 with no significant difference between the 2 groups (p=0.00**). The mean VAS of neck pain improved in group A from 6.71±0.78 preoperatively to 2.2±0.7 postoperatively, and also improved in group B from 5.11±0.78 preoperatively to 0.77±0.62 postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in both groups. Conclusion: Interbody cage-based fusion with or without plate fixation in two levels or more cervical discectomies achieved good stability and neurological outcome.

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