Pseudarthrosis of the cervical spine after anterior arthrodesis. Treatment by posterior nerve-root decompression, stabilization, and arthrodesis
Farey, I.D.; McAfee, P.C.; Davis, R.F.; Long, D.M.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume 72(8): 1171-1177
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9355 PMID: 2398087 Document Number: 350656
Nineteen consecutive patients who had a symptomatic pseudarthrosis after a failed anterior cervical arthrodesis were treated by a posterior nerve-root decompression and arthrodesis. The indications for the operation were radiculopathy in the absence of myelopathy and evidence of a pseudarthrosis on lateral flexion and extension radiographs. The average duration of follow-up was forty-four months (range, twenty-four to fifty-four months). A solid fusion was achieved in all patients, and the radiculopathy was relieved in all but one. The motor weakness that had been present in four patients preoperatively resolved completely.