Disc height loss after anterior cervical microdiscectomy with titanium intervertebral cage fusion

Summary ¶Background. The use of a graft in cervical inter-vertebral disc repair is still a controversial procedure. The aim of the treatment is to restore the physiological disc height and to achieve fusion. This study was performed to determine the rate of narrowing of the cervical intervertebral disc after using a titanium cervical intervertebral cage (BAK-C; Sulzer Spine Tech, Minneapolis, MN). Methods. 43 patients were included in the study. Each had a cervical disc protrusion, resulting in radiculopathy. All underwent surgery involving an anterior one level cervical microdiscectomy and fusion with a cylindrical titanium cage. The mean follow-up time was 18±5 months. Findings. The extent of the mean narrowing rate of disc space was 35.6±9%. The fusion rate was 98% and the mean time to fusion was 6 months. Interpretation. The use of a cervical intervertebral cage in anterior cervical microdiscectomy does not prevent the loss of the height of the cervical disc space after the operation.Published online July 25, 2003