Can zero-profile cage maintain the cervical curvature similar with plate-cage construct for single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion？

Abstract Objective To compare the clinical and radiological outcome after anterior cervical surgery between zero-profile cage and plate-cage construct (PCC). Methods 116 patients with single-level cervical disc herniation who underwent ACDF between May 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled. They were divided into zero-profile group (61 cases) and PCC group (55 cases). At the 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the operation, routine follow-up evaluation was recommended, including VAS score and JOA score. The lateral X-ray film was performed at 1 and 24 months postoperatively. Results 116 patients successfully completed the operation and achieved bone fusion. While there was no significant difference in the amount of bleeding between the two groups; the operation time of the Zero-Profile group was significantly shorter than that of the PCC group with statistically difference. The VAS score and JOA score of the two groups at each follow-up interval postoperatively were significantly improved compared with that before operation, the difference was statistically significant (P Conclusion Compared with the Zero-Profile system, the PCC system provide comparable clinical outcome. While it showed the disadvantages in controlling the operation time and the surgical bleeding, the radiological outcome was better at the 2-year follow-up.