Single-stage anterior—posterior decompression and stabilization for complex cervical spine disorders

Object. To evaluate the applicability and safety of single-stage combined anterior—posterior decompression and fusion for complex cervical spine disorders, the authors retrospectively reviewed 72 consecutive procedures of this type performed using a uniform technique at a single center. Methods. The indications for decompression and stabilization included: postlaminectomy kyphosis (15 patients), trauma (19 patients), spondylosis and congenital stenosis (32 patients), and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (six patients). All patients underwent anterior cervical corpectomies in which allograft fibula and plates were placed, with 89% of patients undergoing two- or three-level procedures (range one–four levels). Lateral mass plating with autograft (morselized iliac crest) fusion was performed in all patients while the same anesthetic agent was still in effect. A hard cervical collar was used postoperatively in all patients (mean 13 weeks). All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years ...