Introduction: ACDF with autologous bone has been reported since over 50 years ago. The recent development of cages housing materials inducing osteogenesis simplifies the technique ofinterbody fusion. The main purposes of bone substitutes for ACF are immediate biomechanical support, osteo-integration of the graft, and elimination of local side effects at the donor site
Methods: This report shows our results using PEEK cages.During an 36-months period, 24 consecutive patients had cervical fusions at 32 levels between C3 and C7. All operations involved one or two disc spaces for degenerative disc disease.We implanted all disc spaces with PEEK cages (Cornerstone Medtronic Sofamor Danek) containing granulated hydroxylapatite (Ostim Medtronic Sofamor Danek). We studied VAS , Oswestry , Neck Disability index and rate of fusion over 36 of follow up
Results: About 95% of patients had a good to excellent outcome; the principal complication was subsidence in tree patients without clinical relevance
Conclusions: The cervical solid fusion was achieved in 100% at one year.Conclusion PEEK cages appear to be safe and efficient for ACDF without plate . In order to confirm our preliminary impressions studies on larger series with long term follow-up are necessary.
Patient Care: Avoinding a cervical plate and screws it a procedure with lowest cost and effective to achieve cervical fusion
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to describe the importance of this technique, discuss in small groups the advantages of stand alone cervical fusion and indentify an affective tratment of degenerative cervical disc disease