The Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fractures with Medial Metaphyseal Disruption Treated with Fibular Allograft Augmentation and Locking Plate

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fracture is considered to be the third most common fracture for patients aged 65 years or older. Conservative treatment has been known to treat most of humerus fracture. However, fractures with severe displacement or dislocation may require surgical treatment. Intramedullary fibular allograft with a locking plate is frequently used in patients accompanying medial metaphyseal disruption. In this study, author intends to evaluate clinical and imaging results based on patients who underwent surgical treatment using fibular allograft with a locking plate. METHODS: This study is conducted prospectively at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, targeting patients who previously underwent surgical treatment using open reduction and intramedullary fibular allograft with a locking plate between 2011 and 2015. A total of 26 patients were evaluated on the following: postoperational clinical assessment measuring Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Postoperational imaging assessments are evaluated via measuring the neck-shaft angle. The study subject were Neer classification type 3, 4 proximal humerus fracture cases with disrupted medial hinge and having cortical comminution in the region of the surgical neck. RESULTS: The average period of progression was 22.5 months, and the average age of patients was 72.6 years. At the final follow-up, the average Constant, average ASES, and average DASH scores were 80.1, 78.5, and 20.6 respectively. The average neck-shaft angle was 127.5°. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, fibular allograft augmentation with a locking plate showed satisfying results in both clinical and imaging studies.

The Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fractures with Medial Metaphyseal Disruption Treated with Fibular Allograft Augmentation and Locking Plate

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fracture is considered to be the third most common fracture for patients aged 65 years or older. Conservative treatment has been known to treat most of humerus fracture. However, fractures with severe displacement or dislocation may require surgical treatment. Intramedullary fibular allograft with a locking plate is frequently used in patients accompanying medial metaphyseal disruption. In this study, author intends to evaluate clinical and imaging results based on patients who underwent surgical treatment using fibular allograft with a locking plate. METHODS: This study is conducted prospectively at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, targeting patients who previously underwent surgical treatment using open reduction and intramedullary fibular allograft with a locking plate between 2011 and 2015. A total of 26 patients were evaluated on the following: postoperational clinical assessment measuring Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Postoperational imaging assessments are evaluated via measuring the neck-shaft angle. The study subject were Neer classification type 3, 4 proximal humerus fracture cases with disrupted medial hinge and having cortical comminution in the region of the surgical neck. RESULTS: The average period of progression was 22.5 months, and the average age of patients was 72.6 years. At the final follow-up, the average Constant, average ASES, and average DASH scores were 80.1, 78.5, and 20.6 respectively. The average neck-shaft angle was 127.5°. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, fibular allograft augmentation with a locking plate showed satisfying results in both clinical and imaging studies.

Chronic Irreducible Anterior Dislocation of the Shoulder without Significant Functional Deficit

Shoulder dislocation is frequently encountered by orthopedists, and closed manipulation is often sufficient to treat the injury in an acute setting. Although most dislocations are diagnosed and managed promptly, there are rare cases that are missed or neglected, leading to a chronically dislocated state of the joint. They are usually irreducible and cause considerable pain and functional disability in most affected patients, prompting the need to find a surgical method to reverse the worsening conditions caused by the dislocated joint. However, there are cases of even greater rarity in which chronic shoulder dislocations are asymptomatic with minimal functional or structural degeneration in the joint. These patients are usually left untreated, and most show good tolerance to their condition without developing disabling symptoms or significant functional loss over time. We report on one such patient who had a chronic shoulder dislocation for more than 2 years without receiving treatment.

The Clinical Results of Conservative Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Using Continuous Passive Motion

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to administer conservative treatment in 30 patients diagnosed with idiopathic frozen shoulder, following the suggested frozen shoulder rehabilitation program and to assess the clinical outcome using a prospective study. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with idiopathic frozen shoulder, treated with steroid hormone injection on the articular joint with an intra-articular steroid (triamcinolone 40 mg + lidocaine 4 ml) injection and started on stepwise shoulder extension exercise were chosen. The subjects were divided into two groups of 15 people each with one group undergoing rehabilitation with continuous passive motion (CPM) and the other group without it. Follow-ups were done before rehabilitation and at 4-week intervals with the 24th being the final week. At every follow-up, passive range of motion (ROM) was measured and surveys on pain and clinical score were administered. RESULTS: In the last follow-up, both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all evaluation criteria. However, no statistical difference in all values of the ROM and Constant score evaluation criteria was observed between the groups. Only in the last follow-up, group 1 had a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 2.4 +/- 2.1 points, which was lower, with statistical significance, than the VAS score of group 2, which was 4.4 +/- 3.1 points (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Study using CPM in treatment of frozen shoulder has been inadequate, meaning that there is still room for improvement and need for more study on setting a more specific protocol and guidelines for this procedure.

The Clinical Results of Conservative Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Using Continuous Passive Motion

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to administer conservative treatment in 30 patients diagnosed with idiopathic frozen shoulder, following the suggested frozen shoulder rehabilitation program and to assess the clinical outcome using a prospective study. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with idiopathic frozen shoulder, treated with steroid hormone injection on the articular joint with an intra-articular steroid (triamcinolone 40 mg + lidocaine 4 ml) injection and started on stepwise shoulder extension exercise were chosen. The subjects were divided into two groups of 15 people each with one group undergoing rehabilitation with continuous passive motion (CPM) and the other group without it. Follow-ups were done before rehabilitation and at 4-week intervals with the 24th being the final week. At every follow-up, passive range of motion (ROM) was measured and surveys on pain and clinical score were administered. RESULTS: In the last follow-up, both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all evaluation criteria. However, no statistical difference in all values of the ROM and Constant score evaluation criteria was observed between the groups. Only in the last follow-up, group 1 had a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 2.4 +/- 2.1 points, which was lower, with statistical significance, than the VAS score of group 2, which was 4.4 +/- 3.1 points (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Study using CPM in treatment of frozen shoulder has been inadequate, meaning that there is still room for improvement and need for more study on setting a more specific protocol and guidelines for this procedure.

Multiple Skeletal Involvement of Multiple Myeloma Associated Amyloidosis Presented with Pathologic Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Amyloidosis, which refers to amyloid deposits accumulated in various organs, belongs to the same category as multiple myeloma; it can be accompanied by pathologic fracture. It is important to find out the exact cause of amyloidosis in order to decide treatment options and to predict prognosis. The authors described an amyloidosis case with multiple musculoskeletal involvements presented with pathologic fracture and arthrosis, and also reviewed the related articles.

Injury to Soft Tissue Knee Structures in Patients with Tibia Plateau Fracture

PURPOSE: We wanted to analyze the incidence of soft tissue injury associated with fractures of the tibial plateau. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2005 to December 2008, 36 patients with tibial plateau fractures were examined by radiologic studies. The fractures classified according to Schatzker's classification by using the plain radiographs and computed tomography, and then magnetic resonance imaging was done for assessing the accompanied injuries of the knee structure. RESULTS: For the 36 cases, accompanying lesions were observed in 30 cases (83.3%). Lateral meniscus damage was the most frequently associated damage, and this was observed in 17 cases (47.2%). Medial meniscus damage was found in 13 cases (36.1%). Anterior crucial ligament damage was found in 11 cases (30.6%). Posterior crucial ligament damage was found in 3 cases (8.3%). Medial collateral ligament damage was found in 16 cases (44.4%) and lateral collateral ligament was found in 8 cases (33.3%). CONCLUSION: Because soft tissue injury frequently accompanies tibial plateau fracture, MRI evaluation and proper management are necessary regardless of the severity of the fractures.

The Spectrum of Lesions and Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Stabilization of Acute Anterior Shoulder Instability

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze accom-panying lesions including injury types of anteroinferior labrum lesion in young and active patients who suffered traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation for the first time. Meterials and Methods: The study used magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to 40 patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation from April 2004 to April 2008, and of those, 36 with abnormal MRA finding were treated with arthroscopy. RESULTS: There was a total of 25 cases of anteroinferior glenoid labrum lesions. A superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion (SLAP) lesion was observed in 8 cases. For bony lesions, 22 cases of Hill-sachs lesions, 4 cases of lesions in greater tuberosity fracture of humerus, and 4 cases of loose body were found. For lesions involving rotator cuff, partial articular side rupture was found in 2 cases and 2 cases were found to have a complete rupture. CONCLUSION: Under MRA and arthroscopy performed on patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation, it was observed to have varying types of anteroinferior labrum lesions such as Perthes, Bankart, ALPSA, and bony Bankart lesion. that MRA is a remar-kably useful tool to classify various lesions in acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder and to make a diagnosis, making it a useful tool to decide a treatment method while consulting patients and their families.

Clinical and Radiologic Results of Transtibial Single Bundle Reconstruction and Double Bundle Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Using the Allo-achilles Tendon / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We performed transtibial single and double bundle reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament using the allo-achilles tendon and compared the results of single bundle reconstruction and double bundle reconstruction both clinically and radiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 41 cases of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between February 2000 and June 2007 that had data available for at least 2 years of follow-up. Twenty-two cases (53.7%) underwent single bundle reconstruction and 19 cases (46.3%) underwent double bundle reconstruction. Clinical results were analyzed by Lysholm score and IKDC standards scale, and the radiologic results were analyzed by the Telos(R) posterior translation test. RESULTS: The average Lysholm score at last follow-up was 85.4+/-4.7 in the single bundle group and 87.5+/-5.1 in the double bundle group. IKDC scores were grade A in 4 (18.2%), grade B in 14 (63.6%) and grade C in 4 (18.2%) in the single bundle group; they were 1 (15.3%), 15 (78.9%) and 3 (15.8%) in the double bundle group. Telos(R) posterior translation test scores were 5.06 mm (3.04-7.43 mm) in the single bundle group, and 4.04 mm (2.18-7.20 mm) in the double bundle group. There was significant improvement in clinical and radiological scores in both groups (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Further study with longer term follow-up is needed.

The Clinical Results of ACL Reconstruction with the Bio-Transfix(R) Technique

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the clinical results of ACL reconstructions with using four strands of an auto-hamstring tendon graft and a bioresorbable-Transfix device (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for femoral fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2005 to May 2007, a total of 108 cases that underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with using hamstring tendons and a bioresorbable-Transfix device were followed-up for more than 1 year (Range: 12~32 months) postoperatively. The clinical results were evaluated by the preoperative and postoperative Lysholm knee scores, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring system and a KT-1000 arthrometer. The radiological results were evaluated by the measurement method described by L'Insalata. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the mean Lysholm knee score was 70.8+/-6.8 (Range: 52.0~81.0) which improved to 94.2+/-4.8 (Range: 76.0~98.0) at the last follow up (p<0.05). According to the IKDC scoring system, 104 cases (96%) were categorized as normal or nearly normal and no case was categorized as severely abnormal at the last follow up (p<0.05). KT-1000 arthrometer instability was statistically improved from 8.8 mm (Range: 3~17 mm) to 2.1 mm (Range: 1~7 mm) (p<0.05). The femoral and tibial tunnels were statistically widened 22.7% and 12.7% on the AP view, respectively, and 17.4% and 8.4% on the lateral view, respectively, at the last follow up (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction using auto-hamstring tendons with a bioresorbable-Transfix device showed satisfactory results on the physical examination and functional evaluation.

Comparison of Results Between Immediate Fixation Group and Delayed Reconstruction Group in Displaced Mid-shaft Fractures of the Clavicle

PURPOSE: Several authors have reported excellent results of delayed reconstruction of non-union & malunion in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle and these results were equal to that of immediate fixation. But direct comparison between these treatments is rare. We evaluated the results between the immediate fixation group and delayed reconstruction group for treating displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the results of 18 cases with immediate fixation of displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle and 15 cases with delayed reconstruction of non-union & malunion after conservative management, and these cases were seen from March 2000 to February, 2006. The final postoperative outcome was analyzed according to the clinical outcomes with using the Constant score and the radiological findings of bony union. RESULTS: The constant score was low in the delayed reconstruction group compare to that of the immediate fixation group (p value=0.045). For the pain score & the activities of daily living score, a statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups (p0.05). Radiological findings of bony union were seen for both groups at an average of 8.8 weeks for the immediate fixation group and at an average of 9.8 weeks for the delayed reconstruction group. CONCLUSION: Though the delayed reconstruction group was shown good clinical and radiological results, the immediate fixation group had a significantly better pain score, a better activities of daily living score and a better Constant score. It is important to choose the initial treatment option for displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle after sufficient explanation to patients about the merits and demerits between these two treatment options

Three Years Follow-up Results of High-flex Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Three years clinical results of a total knee arthroplasty using the NexGen LPS-Flex fixed bearing system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred knees(65 patients) which used the LPS-Flex system for primary TKA and were followed up for a minimum Three years were evaluated. Evaluations included preoperative and postoperative range of motion(ROM), factors affecting the postoperative ROM that included age of the patient, the body mass index, the flexion contracture, degree of varus deformity, and Hospital for Special Surgery score. RESULTS: Knee ROM increased from preoperative 122.8 degrees to postoperative 130.5 degrees. The mean HSS score improved from preoperative 58.4 to postoperative 91.3. The femoral-tibial angle was changed from preoperative 6.4 degrees varus to a pos- toperative 5.5 degrees valgus. The most important factor that influenced the range of motion after an arthroplasty was the preoperative range of motion. One deep infection developed, but was cured with synovectomy and administration of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Primary TKR with NexGen LPS-Flex system showed satisfactory early results including excellent ROM. We found that preoperative ROM had a significant effect on postoperative ROM.

Oral Alprazolam Attenuates Preoperative Stress Responses to Regional Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, and also affects immune responses. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the anxiety. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy patients scheduled for elective knee arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery under spinal anesthesia (SA) were randomly allocated into the control (CG, n = 24) and the alprazolam group (AG, n = 24). Oral 0.25 mg alprazolam in the evening before SA and 0.5 mg alprazolam 90 min before SA were administered to patients of the AG. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of anxiety were measured in the operating room before SA (ORSA) and operating room during operation and discharge day (DD). Serum ACTH and cortisol in the ORSA and DD, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the ward and ORSA, sleep time and number of night awakenings in the night before SA were measured. RESULTS: Age (31.9 +/- 10.8 yr), sex, height, weight, and sleep time were not significantly different between the two groups. The number of night awakenings in the AG were significantly lower than in the CG. VAS scores of anxiety in the ORSA were significantly higher in the CG than in the AG. ACTH and cortisol levels in the CG were significantly higher in the ORSA than in the DD. ACTH and cortisol levels in the AG were not significantly different between the ORSA and the DD. Cortisol level in the ORSA were significantly lower in the AG than in the CG. Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the ORSA were significantly lower in the AG than in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: These indicate that oral alprazolam attenuates preoperative stress responses to regional anesthesia.

Comminuted Intercondylar Fracture of the Distal Humerus in Adults

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic results of communited intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus that were treated by surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January, 1998 to December, 2004, we reviewed fifteen cases of intercondylar fracture of the distal humerus, which were treated by surgical treatment. The follow up period ranged from six month to 5 years. The functional results were evaluated using Broberg and Morrey's functional scale according to surgical approach, type of plate and location of plating. RESULTS: The functional results were as follows; seven excellent, six good, one fair and one poor. The mean range of motion in elbow joint was 7~106 degrees. The mean functional score was 86.6 points through olecranon osteotomy, 90.5 points through Campbell's posterior approach. The mean functional score was 91.6 points in cases using 2 reconstruction plate, 78 points in cases using 1 reconstruction plate and 1/3 semitubular plate, and 86 points in case using 1 reconstruction plate and lag screws. The mean functional score was 88.9 points in cases by posterior and lateral fixation, 86 points in cases by both posterior fixation and 97 points in case by both lateral fixation. CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in treatment outcome according to surgical approach, different plate and location of plating.

Method for Positioning the Tibial Tunnel in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

PURPOSE: This study determined that knee extension and its relationship to the slope of the intercondylar roof for positioning the tibial tunnel in ACL reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty subjects (25 men and 25 women) between the age of 25 and 40 were recruited for the study. We obtain a lateral roentgenogram of their knees in maximum extension. We measured knee extension angle, roof angle and the location of central axis of the tibial tunnel. We also used statview IV program for statistics. RESULTS: Regression analysis of the measurements from the two authors revealed knee extension (r2=0.846, p<0.0001), roof angle were reliably measured(r2=0.630, p<0.0001). There was a strong relationship between the two authors in their selection of the position for the center of the tibial tunnel(r2=0.702, p<0.0001). There was considerable variety in the degree of knee extension, roof angle and the position of the tibial tunnel. We failed to detect a difference between men and women since the population was insufficient. A correlation between knee extension and roof angle was week (r2=0.207, p<0.008). CONCLUSION: There is variety of extension angle and roof angle of knees among persons. It is required to customize the position of tibial tunnel in ACL reconstructions because of differences in anatomy.

Comparative Analysis between Patellar Resurfacing and Retention in Total Knee Arthroplasty: 5-year Follow-up Result / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiological results between patellar resurfacing, group and patellar retention group in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 74 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty on due to knee osteoarthritis since March 1996, and followed-up for at least for 5 years, there were 42 and 32 cases in the patellar retention and patellar resurfacing groups respectively. These subjects were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 5 years postoperatively using the pain score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, walking and stair-climbing in knee function score and radiological analysis. The radiological evaluation was achieved by measuring the patellar tilt angle and displacement with a 45degreesmerchant view. The results were analyzed using the student's t-test. RESULTS: There were no significantly differences between the patellar resurfacing and patellar retention groups in the pain score, HSS knee score, walking in knee function score and radiological analysis (p>0.05), but the patellar retention group achieved superior results in stair-climbing (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiological results were similar in the patellar retention and patellar resurfacing groups. The use of selective indications of patellar resurfacing is required in order to achieve better results for total knee arthroplasty.

Correlation Between Patients 'Satisfaction and Objective Measurement after ACL Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to correlate patients 'satisfaction with the objective measurement of the knee stability after a ACL reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contact was made with 120 patients who a ACL reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft on unilateral ACL rupture between January 1995 and April 2002 by single surgeon. Assessment was made by the KOOS score, Tegner score, Lysholm score, patients 'satisfaction, IKDC score, manual physical examination, one leg hop test and radiologic AP translation. Paired t-test, Pearson product moment correlation(PPMC) and Spearman 's rank correlation test were used to test the correlation between the parameters. RESULTS: Radiologic AP translation showed a statistically significant correlation with manual lachman and pivot shift tests. The Lysholm score had a high correlation with the patients 'satisfaction and one leg hop test. The final IKDC evaluation system showed the highest correlations with the Lysholm score, the patients 'satisfaction, the Tegner score, the manual lachman test, one leg hop test. Resumption of sports and work according to the Tegner score correlated with the patients 'satisfaction but had a very low correlation with manual lachman test. The knee laxity measurement using manual lachman test correlated with neither one leg hop test nor the patients 'satisfaction. The one leg hop test correlated with the Lysholm score, the patients 'satisfaction, the final IKDC evaluation system. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the final IKDC evaluation system is a very reliable tool and the patients 'satisfaction is important for evaluating the results after ACL reconstructiuon. And the one leg hop test also appear to be a reliable way of evaluating the functional outcome of the ACL reconstruction.

Treatment for Painful Bipartite Patella Using Vastus Lateralis Tendon Release / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Nine patients, who had ten painful bipartite patellae, were managed with a new operative tech nique in which the vastus lateralis insertion to the painful patellar fragment is detached subpe riosteally while the continuity of the tendon-periosteum complex to the main portion of the patella is preserved. A grossly mobile patellar fragment was removed in 3, fragment that showed minimum mobility was left in situ in 5 and fragment that had significant articular component was fixed with 4.0 mm cancellous screw in one. All of the patients had prompt relief of pain and returned to full sports activity within three months of the operation, 2 of 5 patellas that had not been removed united by bone to the main portion of the patella within 2 years post-operatively. Overall, 10 knees had excellent results at an average of four years post-operatively.

The Factors Associated with Fractures by Ski Injuries

BACKGROUND: Ski injuries depend on many factors which involve the skier's skill, the skiing environment, and skier's equipment. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with fractures by skiing accident. SUBJECT: We evaluated 566 patients with ski injuries who visited to the emergency post located in the YongPyong Ski Resorts from Nov. 1996 to Feb. 1997. Among the patients,379 patients had no fracture(group I) and 187 patients had fracture(group II). RESULT: There was no differences in mean age and sex ratio between two groups. Fractures of the lower extremities were more common than the upper extremities. Slipping was the most common injury mechanism. arming-up was done in 40% of group I and in 17% of group II. The fracture injuries were more common in the skier with intermediate(45%) skill than the beginner(29%) and the ones with advanced skill(12%). The slope with intermediate difficulty was the most frequent site of fracture accidents. The fracture group tended to choose the slope beyond their skiing ability. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fracture during skiing can be prevented if skiers do warming-up prior to skiing and choose slope appropriate to their skiing skill.

Anterior Cervical Fusion with Cervical Spine Locking Plate System / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The anterior approach to arthrodesis of the cervical spine has become a widely accepted. However, anterior interbody fusion in the presence of the posterior instability may be complicated by the bone graft dislodgement, kyphotic deformity or nonunion. As an attempt to prevent this complications, anterior cervical plate after graft placement was introduced. Although, anterior cervical plates provide excellent fixation for the anterior column, potential risk for injury to the spinal cord, soft tissues or screw loosening leading to dysphagia has been reported. Morscher, of Switzerland, has developed an anterior cervical spine locking plate(CLSP) system that attempts to prevent the migration and looseing of screw by using a cross-split screw head that can be locked into the plate. The secondary advantage of this system is the limination of the required posterior cortex purchase. The authors reviewed 42 patients in whom the CLSP system was applied for the treatment of degenerative disease or trauma. With a mean followup of 18 months, all 42 patients went on to fusion. One patient had screws placed in the discal space, hardware failure occurred in two patients. There was no iatrogenic injury to the spinal cord or esophagus. In conclusion, the CLSP system provides a reliable fusion with minimal complications. It should be considered in multilevel anterior cervical arthrosis and cervical fractures.