Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Role of Anterior Plate Fixation in Degenerative Cervical Disorders

摘要

Anterior surgical approaches to the cervical spine have steadily gained in popularity since originally proposed in the 1950's. Along with the expanded use of the anterior approach, since the original description of the anterior cervical discectomy, there has been an overwhelming trend to combine this with an intervertebral fusion. Between 1985 and 1996, there has been a 300% increase in cervical spine fusion procedures. Ninety percent of these fusions have been in the treatment of degenerative cervical spine disorders. The literature supports this trend as the long-term outcome of patients appears to be favorably impacted by the addition of the fusion.