ABSTRACT

To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different surgical techniques that are used for cervical disc disease, anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) versus anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF).

Ninety-eight patients who underwent cervical spine surgery due to disc disease between 2009 and 2010 were included. 32 patients in the first group received ACD, and 66 patients in the second group received ACDF. 45 (46%) patients were male and 53 (54%) were female. In the ACD group, 28 patients had single-disc disease, and four patients had disease of two discs. In the ACDF group, 34 patients had single-disc disease and 32 patients had disease of two discs. Measurements of the lordosis angle, foraminal height, disc space height, and osteophytes were determined using X-rays for radiological evaluation. Odom’s criteria were used for clinical evaluation.

Odom’s results of excellent and good were seen at rates of 22% and 62.5%, respectively, in the ACD group, and 30% excellent and 57.5% good were seen in the ACDF group, at the follow-up six months postoperatively. At the follow-up 24 months postoperatively, the Odom’s results were 12.5% excellent and 68.7% good in the ACD group, and 26% excellent and 68% good in the ACDF group. Statistically, at the final follow-up the ACDF group had a higher disc space and foraminal height than the ACD group (p<0.05), but there were no differences in the lordosis angle measurement loosening between the two groups (p>0.05).

Patients who receive ACDF have better clinical and radiological results than those who receive ACD.