OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of titanium mesh in anterior cervical subtotal subcorpectomy with locking plate for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODSThirty-eight patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated with anterior cervical subtotal corpectomy using titanium mesh and locking plate. The JOA score of the patients were assessed before and after the operation, and the pre- and postoperative lateral cervical radiographs were taken to observe the instability of the titanium mesh, dynamic plates and changes of the cervical curvature.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 12-18 months. Radiographic cervical fusion was achieved in 12-16 months (36 cases) or 18 months (2 cases) postoperatively. The degree of Jordosis was improved and the height of the anterior spinal column and physical curvature were effectively maintained after the operation. The titanium mesh and locking plate showed no signs of loosening and the JOA scores was significantly improved after the operation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONTitanium mesh in anterior cervical subtotal corpectomy with locking plate allows effective treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, but the indications of this procedure must be carefully evaluated. The long-term effect of this approach still needs verification by further follow-up data.