Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the self-locking stand-alone cage used from opposite approach for the treatment of adjacent segment disease (ASD) after an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).
Material and methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 8 cases of ACCF in the treatment of ASD cervical spondylopathy. All patients received self-locking stand-alone cage treatment. At different time points, the clinical status was evaluated using the Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, JOA recovery rate (RR), and Neck Disability index (NDI) score. X-ray measurements included C2-C7 Cobb angle, fusion segment angle (FSA), cervical vertebral bow depth (VBP), and height of surgical segment (HOS). Statistical imaging parameters of sagittal cervical spine. Bone graft fusion in all self-locking stand-alone cage segments was evaluated.
Results: All operations were successfully completed, and no infection, epidural hematoma, or rupture of the dura mater were observed in all patients. Compared with pre-operation, the JOA and NDI scores at 3 months and at the last follow-up were significantly improved (p < 0.05). The JOA recovery rate between the final follow-up and preoperatively was 64.8±5.2%. One patient had dysphagia postoperatively, but was resolved after 3 months. Three months after surgery, the sagittal radiographic outcomes improved significantly and were well maintained during the final follow-up.
Conclusion: The self-locking stand-alone cage is a reliable and effective method used from the opposite approach for the treatment of ASD after ACCF in terms of JOA and NDI scores. The cervical alignment correction is considered satisfactory.