Introduction: The authors present one-year results of 10 patients with cervical radiculopathy due to spondylosis and stenosis treated with a minimally disruptive posterior cervical fusion. DTRAX Cervical Cage is a titanium intervertebral cage that was used to distract and immobilize the cervical facet to achieve indirect root decompression and fusion. Clinical and radiologic results are analyzed.

Methods: A one-year retrospective study of 10 patients treated with DTRAX Cervical Cage was conducted. Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain, neurological status, adverse events, x-rays and CT were collected. X-rays were reviewed for segmental and overall cervical lordosis, fusion, and device retention. CT with reconstructions was obtained at one year in all patients.

Results: All patients were available for follow-up at one year. Age ranged from 51 to 78 with a mean of 68. Five patients were treated at C5-6, four at C6-7, and one at C4-5. NDI and VAS were significantly improved immediately after surgery and sustained at one year. All patients had successful radiographic fusion defined as 1.5 mm or less change in distance between adjacent spinous processes at treated level on lateral flexion/extension radiographs. Bridging bone on CT was present in 9 with 1 indeterminate for fusion. There was no significant change in overall cervical lordosis or segmental lordosis. There were no device breakages, device back out, or surgical re-interventions.

Conclusions: Minimally disruptive posterior cervical fusion with DTRAX Cervical Cage appears to be a safe and effective method of treating select patients with cervical radiculopathy as a result of spondylosis and foraminal stenosis.

Patient Care: Reduce arm & neck pain and decrease post-op hospital stay through tissue sparing posterior cervical procedure.

Learning Objectives: • One-year retrospective study of 10 patients treated with DTRAX Cervical Cage • Five patients were treated at C5-6, four at C6-7, and one at C4-5 • All patients had successful radiographic fusion defined as 1.5 mm or less change in distance between adjacent spinous processes at treated level on lateral flexion/extension radiographs • Bridging bone on CT was present in 9 with 1 indeterminate for fusion • There was no significant change in overall cervical lordosis or segmental lordosis

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