Anterior Interbody Fusion in Unstable Fracture and Fracture
10.4055/jkoa.1981.16.2.265
- Author:
Myung Sang MOON
;
In KIM
;
Ok Bae KIM
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Anteior interbody fusion;
Olinical and radiological union;
Disc space;
Kyphotic and lordotic angle
- MeSH:
Dislocations;
Humans;
Immobilization;
Kyphosis;
Muscle Rigidity;
Spine;
Traction;
Transplants
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
1981;16(2):265-276
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Authors had reviewed the results of 20 anterior cervical fusions performed between 1975 and 1980 to determine which factors were important to a successful result. There had been 18 single level fusions and 2 fusions at two levels, the majority at C and C. The indications for fusion operation were: firstly in acutely traumatized patient was the spine representing radiologically the signs of segmental instability, secondly was the chronic segmental instability in old traumatized spine representing the nuchal rigidity and severe cervicobrachial pain which. was not ceased by conservative treatments. The index of successful fusion was complete relief of pain, loss of cervical rigidity and radiologlcal stability of fused segment indicated by no-movement in flexion-extension lateral radiograms, and the bony bridges between the fused segments. The postoperative stability of spine was assessed by measuring the changes of disc space and kyphotic angle. The result obtained were as follows: 1. Pre-and post-operative immobilization with cervical traction played an immportant role for successful results after fusion: 4–6 weeks of pre-operative traction in acutely injured spine provided the torn soft tissue structures with sufficient time needed for its healing, and 6 weeks of postoperative traction also provided the bone graft with sufficient time needed for its cooperation with graft bed. 2. ln all cases succeasful fusion was obtained. In a case a adjacent level was incorrectly fused, but it was fused soundly in time, while the unstable unfused segment was not fused spontaneously. 3. The fused segment or segments of spine stabilized clinically in 6-8 weeks after fusion operation which was proven by serial radiograms, and solid bony fusion was obtained radiologically averaging in 12 weeks after fusion operation. 4. The average increase of kyphosis after interbody fusion till solid fusion was negligible, averaging 3.0 degrees. 5. The solid fusion occurred in one to 2 weeks earlier in the spines with wedge and axial conpression fractures than the spines with flexion-rotation and shear types of fractures. 6. No further neurogical damage developed after successful fusion.
