Short-term Results of Anterior Cervical Fusion with Cylindrical Cage(AMSLU(TM))

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The AMSLU(TM) cage is a newly developed instrument, that utilizes concept of the key-stone graft in posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The authors try to prove the short-term efficacy of AMSLU(TM) cage in surgical treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease. METHODS: We investigate clinical and radiological features of 24 patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion with AMSLU(TM) cage during the period between January 2001 and February 2002. Clinical and radiological results were assessed by using Odom's criteria and regular follow-up of radiographs, respectively. RESULTS: All patients included in this study had been followed by at least 6 months. Except 3 patients, all patients underwent single-level operation, and among remaining 21 patients, C5-6 was the most commonly involved level (17 cases). Symptomatic improvement was found in 22 cases (91%). Evidence of bone fusion was invariably found by the end of the postoperative 6 months in every case and increase of disc height was also shown in all patients. Neither operation-related nor instrument-related complications was seen. CONCLUSION: Anterior cervical fusion with AMSLU(TM) cage has several advantages over the preexisting instruments, such as easy maneurability, avoidance of donor site complications, and anatomical contour which renders it to endure lateral shearing force and its relatively large contact area.