Aim: Supplementing anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plates enhances stabilization, increases fusion and reduces failure rates. Zero-P implant for stand-alone anterior interbody fusion procedures of the cervical spine was recently developed to avoid complications associated with anterior cervical plates. We evaluate the outcome of its use in our patients undergoing ACDF.
Material and methods: 84 patients were selected to undergo ACDF with Zero-P implant of whom 75 (52 male and 23 female) were followed up for 12 to 16 months (mean 14.2 months) with a total of 94 operated levels (54 single, 21 double level). Patients underwent pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation with full neurological examination, visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD) and Bazaz-Yoo dysphagia index for postoperative dysphagia. Postoperative plain X-ray evaluation of fusion and implant-associated complications was done. REAULTS: All patients had significant reduction in arm and neck pain and NPAD maintained over 12 months, no implant-associated complications during follow-up, and radiological fusion by 3 months. None had dysphagia after 3 months postoperatively.
Conclusion: The Zero-P implant is a valid alternative to anterior cervical plating after ACDF with a very low incidence of postoperative dysphagia and no implant-related complications.