Effect of autologous platelet gel on early and late graft fusion in anterior cervical spine surgery

Object In a double-blind randomized study, platelet concentrate was used to treat 50 patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion with allograft bone and internal fixation, predominantly for degenerative disc disease or soft herniated cervical disc. The goal in this study was to compare the outcomes in patients treated with and without the platelet gel. Methods Patients were assessed radiographically at 6, 12, and 52 weeks and at 2 years if needed. Clinically, patients were evaluated with the visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, Short Form–36, and a modified Prolo Scale. Results Follow-up included 90% of the patients at 1 year and 84% at 2 years. The overall fusion rate was 84%. Conclusions Whereas patients with degenerative discs treated with platelet gel demonstrated early fusion at the 12-week follow-up interval, no consistent early fusion was obtained with the use of the platelet gel preparation in patients with a soft disc herniation.