Neurosurg Q 2009;19:164–170
Aim: To define the predictors for the clinical outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis for patients with degenerative diseases of the cervical spine. Does the subsidence of the intervertebral spacer in the adjacent vertebral have a negative influence on the outcome?
Materials and Methods: In a prospective clinical study, 368 patients underwent anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis with degenerative disease of the cervical spine. The patients were treated between September 1997 and January 2005. All patients were followed up 1 year after surgery.
Results: Young age of the patient, mono-segmental anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis of the lower cervical spine are predictors of a satisfactory outcome. We did not find statistical differences in the outcome between male and female patients or between patients with or without subsidence of the cage.
Conclusions: Good results can be achieved by early operative therapy. The subsidence of the cage does not affect the outcome.