ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Anterior approach to achieve arthrodesis of the cervical spine has become a widely accepted and often-used approach since its earliest reports by Bailey and Badgley, Smith and Robinson and Cloward. However, anterior interbody fusion in the presence of the presence of the posterior instability may be complicated by the bone graft dislodgement, kyphotic defomity or nonunion. As an attemp to prevent this undesirable complication, additional methods such as skeletal traction, halo appratus or even posterior fusion has been utilized. Therefore, The cervical spine locking plate(CSLP) with the anterior intervertebral body bone grafting provide immediate cervical stabilization and widely successful in achieving fusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study analysed 14 patients who underwent a single anterior procedure and application of CSLP for the treatment of the cervical spinal disorder. Eleven patients were disc herniations and three patients were traumatic lesion. The average ago of the patient was 47 years and the mean follow up periods was 20 months ranging from 13 to 27 months. RESULTS: Ambulation was started 2nd day after the operation with the aid of the Philadelpia orthoses. Bone union was observed 13 cases on average 12 weeks after operation. The one case was nonunion with plate breakage without clinical symptom. CONCLUSION: Anterior fusion with CSLP are thought to be a safe and valuable method for treating cervical spine disorder.