Study Design: This is prospective study. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the functional, neurological, and radiological
outcomes of the patients of subaxial cervical spine injuries treated by anterior corpectomy
and stabilization with anterior cervical locking plate and cage filled with bone.
Overview of the Literature: The principles in the treatment of unstable cervical spine injuries are reduction
and stabilization of the injured segment, maintenance of cervical lordosis and decompression
where indicated and ranges from nonoperative to combined anterior and posterior surgical
fusion. There is, however, debate on the indications for anterior, posterior, or combined
surgery. Materials and Methods: The present study of 99 patients includes prospective patients of subaxial cervical
spine injuries between February 2014 and February 2016 admitted and operated to Indira
Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. Bony fusion, neurological recovery, Neck Disability
Index and complication were studied in all patients. The mean follow-up period was
27 months (range 12–42 months). Results: Of the 99 procedures, 77 (77.8%) involved a single vertebral level, 19 (19.2%) involved
two levels, and 3 (3%) involved three levels corpectomy. The mean Neck Disability
Index was 7.57 ± 5.42. Definitive Bridwell Grade 1 fusion was seen in 64.6% of the
cases. No deterioration of neurological symptoms was seen. Dysphagia was the most
common complication in 79 (79.8%) patients. One patient had minimal screw back out.
Conclusions: Anterior cervical corpectomy and stabilization with cage filled with bone and cervical
reflex locking plate are good method for subaxial cervical spine injuries with good
fusion rates and probably procedure of choice for posttraumatic multiple disc prolapse
with reduced hazards of multiple grafts.
Key-words:
Corpectomy - fusion - neck disability index - subaxial cervical spine injuries
