ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Different types of interbody fusion cages are available for use in the surgical treatment of degenerative cervical diseases. The purpose of this study is to assess the technical feasibility, clinical efficacy and radiological results of intervertebral fusion with a carbon composite Osta-Pek frame cage (Co-Ligne AG, Switzerland) following anterior cervical discectomy. METHODS: 41patients (25males and 16females) with minimum 6months follow-up were included in the study. Disc height, cervical lordotic angle, segmental angle, and fusion rate were assessed by lateral radiographs. In this retrospective analysis, clinical outcome was assessed as evaluated according to Odom's criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-four cages were implanted in 30 single-level, 9 two-level, and 2 three-level procedures. The mean disc height, cervical lordosis angle, segmental angle were 4.2+/-1.8mm, 23.5+/-7.2degrees, 2.3+/-3.3degrees pre-operatively and 5.3+/-2.1mm, 24.2+/-8.3degrees, 3.8+/-3.5degrees at 6months after the surgery. Six months after surgery, there was radiographic evidence of fusion in 92.7% (38/41) of the patients. According to Odom's criteria, 37 of 41 (90.2%) patients experienced good to excellent functional recovery. CONCLUSION: These clinical and radiological results suggest that the carbon composite Osta-Pek frame cages are safe and effective alternative to autologous bone graft after anterior cervical discectomy for treatment of degenerative cervical disease.