Fibular allograft after anterior cervical corpectomy: long term follow-up

Iowa Orthop J. 2002:22:42-6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide clinical and radiographic evaluation after a minimum of two years in patients who had an anterior cervical corpectomy and a fibular allograft strut. Nineteen patients returned for a follow-up visit which included independent radiographic evaluation as well as completing a Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry and Short-Form 36 questionnaires. The categories of fusion were as follows: 1) definitely fused (84%) 2) questionably fused (11%) 3) definitely not fused (5%). The average VAS was 29 mm (range 0-85). The Oswestry Back Scores showed relatively low levels of significant pain with an average score of 29 (range 0-73). Anterior cervical corpectomy followed by an allograft fibular strut provides for relatively high rates of arthrodesis without severe loss of height or sagittal alignment at long term radiographic follow-up.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone Transplantation*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fibula / transplantation*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Fusion / methods*
  • Transplantation, Homologous