Abstract
Introduction
To assess the safety of Zero Profile Interbody fusion (Zero P) device in anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for degenerative cervical stenosis.
Patients and Method: A total of 89 consecutive patients treated with Zero P interbody device from September 2009 to September 2012 were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criterion: Degenerative cervical stenosis with myelopathy, persistent radiculopathy after at least 3 months of failed conservative management. Exclusion criterion: Pediatric population; patients with infection, metastatic disease, and trauma. There were 39 females, 50 males with mean age of 55 years (ranging from 24 to 84 years). Overall, 56 (64%) had surgery at one level, 31 (35%) at two levels, 1 (1%) at three levels. Total number of levels operated were 121. Common levels operated were C56 (62%) and C67 (47%). Majority were operated because of the radicular symptoms, 56 (64%) had radicular symptoms, 28(31%) had myelopathy, and 5 (5%) myeloradiculopathy.
Results
All had a minimum of 6 months' follow-up (maximum 2 years). No patient had cage subsidence or extrusion. Overall, 1 patient had superficial infection which settled with antibiotics, 10 (11%) had dysphagia which settled in 6 to 12 weeks
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that ACDF with Zero P can be considered a safe option in management of the patients with cervical degenerative stenosis. We would also recommend a prospective randomized study as a follow-up on to this retrospective study. Preoperative kyphosis or lordosis did not change the outcome or make the surgical technique any more difficult, hence, this implant can also be used in these circumstances.