Failure Patterns in Standalone Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Implants.
Publication Title
World Neurosurg
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2017
Keywords
Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Allografts; Cervical Vertebrae; Comorbidity; Diskectomy; Equipment Failure; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Internal Fixators; Male; Middle Aged; Operative Time; Patient Readmission; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fusion; Spondylolisthesis; Treatment Failure
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is commonly performed using an allograft or autograft implant and anterior screw-supported plate. There has been an increase in the use of standalone cage devices due to ease of use and studies suggesting a lower rate of acute postoperative dysphagia. We review our experience with standalone cage devices and identify risk factors, patterns of failure, and revision surgery approaches.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective case series of patients treated at a single tertiary care institution between March 2014 and March 2015. Inclusion criteria were aged 18-100 years, 1- or 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a standalone cervical cage. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity score, primary diagnosis, and surgical characteristics. Descriptive statistics were performed for risk of readmission, implant failure, revision, and other complications.
RESULTS: We identified 211 patients who met our study criteria. Average surgical time was 107 ± 43 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 84.6 ± 32.4 mL. There were 11 (5.2%) readmissions. There were 10 (4.74%) implant failures (5 involving single-level surgery and 5 involving 2-level surgery), with 7 cases of pseudoarthrosis. Mechanisms of failure included a C5 body fracture, fusion in a kyphotic alignment after graft subsidence, and acute spondylolisthesis.
CONCLUSIONS: Revision surgery after standalone anterior cervical implants can be complex. Posterior cervical fusion remains a valuable approach to avoid possible vertebral body fracture and loss of fusion area associated with the removal of implants secured through the endplates of adjacent vertebral bodies.
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
Specialty/Research Institute
Surgery
