Introduction: The "gold-standard" anterior cervical treatment for degenerative disc disease currently remains the ACDF. This classically means a traditional plate, 4 screws and interbody allograft or cage. However the advent of zero-profile standalone integrated devices challenge the use of traditional devices. We have used these newer devices exclusively over the past several years and now present the data for analysis.
Methods: A retrospective chart review has been performed.
Results: We have performed the integrated zero-profile anterior cervical plate/interbody cage construct in 48 consecutive patients comprising 115 levels between 1-4 levels. Our results indicate zero revisions and zero symptomatic pseudoarthoses. Other outcomes such as hospitalization, blood loss, and dysphagia are either at or less than comparable published reported results of traditional constructs.
Conclusions: The use of integrated zero-profile anterior cervical plate/interbody cage constructs yield successful outcomes for cervical degenerative disc disease and are a reasonable option for ACDFs.
Patient Care: This is a viable clinical alternative to traditional ACDF instrumentation. In our experience it yields fewer revisions, dysphagia, and symptomatic pseudoarthroses.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1) describe the newer technology available for ACDFs, 2) discuss the indications, and 3) discuss and compare the results of this newer technology to those of traditional technology.