Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of a prototype plate and cage device (PCB) in cervical spine disease.
Summary of Background Data: Several Cage-Screw implants have recently been developed to avoid cervical platerelated complications.
Methods A total of 34 patients with cervical disc protrusion who underwent PCB implantation between 2004 and 2007 were included in the study. There were 22 males and 12 females with a mean age of 49.9 years (range: 30 to 62 years). Odom’s Criteria were evaluated in all patients for a minimum follow-up period of 1 year (mean 24.6 months).
Radiographic evaluation was performed to assess the status of fusion, intervertebral disc height, cervical lordosis and segmental kyphosis.
Results In general, there were 20 excellent cases, 10 good cases and 4 fair cases according to Odom’s Criteria. In terms of radiological results, the height of intervertebral disc space was measured three different times, as follows:
pre-operation, mean 6.07 mm; post-operation, mean 9.52 mm; last follow-up, mean 8.74 mm. No patients showed segmental instability on flexion-extension view at the last follow-up appointment. There were no cases of screw back out or device failure and no donor site morbidity.
Conclusion PCB implant for degenerative cervical disease may restore intervertebral disc space and lordotic angle of the cervical spine without significant complications.