Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2093-4378
eISSN 2093-4386
    J Korean Soc Spine Surg. 2011 Mar;18(1):34-41. Korean.
    Published online Mar 28, 2011.
    https://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2011.18.1.34
    © Copyright 2011 Korean Society of Spine Surgery
    Review

    Current Concept on the Surgical Treatment by Anterior Approach in Degenerative Cervical Radiculopathy

    Byung-Wan Choi, M.D. and Kyung-Jin Song, M.D.*
      • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea.
      • *Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.
    • Corresponding author: Kyung-Jin Song, M.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital, School of Medicine of Chonbuk National University, 634-18, Geum-am Dong, Duk-jin Gu, Jeonju, Korea. TEL: 82-63-250-1770, FAX: 82-63-271-6538, Email: kysong@jbnu.ac.kr
    Received February 26, 2011; Revised February 27, 2011; Accepted February 28, 2011.

    This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

    Abstract

    Study Design

    A review of the literature regarding anterior cervical surgery in degenerative cervical radiculopathy.

    Objectives

    To review and discuss anterior cervical spine surgery.

    Summary of Literature Review

    Anterior cervical spine surgery is commonly used to treat numerous pathologic entities and is expected to increase with the development of surgical techniques and instruments. Nevertheless, there is some controversy.

    Materials and Methods

    Literatures review.

    Results

    Surgical treatments using the anterior approach in degenerative cervical disease have shown excellent results. A range of techniques using plate augmentation and artificial disc replacement are now accepted as effective methods.

    Conclusions

    The appropriate method considering the pathologic status of the patient and surgeon's surgical experience can prevent complications and lead to excellent surgical outcomes.

    Keywords
    Degenerative cervical radiculopathy; Anterior approach; Clinical outcome

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Thirty-eight-year-old female status post ACDF-CA at C5-C6, (A) postoperative plain lateral radiograph; (B, C) plain lateral radiograph 2 years postsurgery showing anterior migration of cage approximately 40 however, bony fusion developed outside the cage in the posterior intervertebral disc space.

    Fig. 2
    A 54-year old man with the clinical symptoms of posterior neck pain and right radiculopathy (A) Preoperative MRI of C4-5 showed right side foraminal stenosis. (B) Preoperative MRI of C5-6 showed both side foraminal stenosis. (C,D,E) AP and lateral roentgenogram of flexion/extension views two years after surgery with hybrid pattern. There was no recurrence of preoperative radiculopathy

    Fig. 3
    A 63 year old female patient with neck pain and left radicular pain had postoperative swelling with severe dyspnea. (A) Preoperative 1. plain lateral radiograph and 2-3. MRI shows left foraminal disc extrusion on C5-6. (B) Serial postoperative radiographs shows 1. immediate lateral radiograph. 2. Eight hours after operation. 3. Twenty-four hours after operation. (C) 1. Two days after operation. 2. Seven days after operation. 3. Two weeks after surgery shows decreased soft tissue swelling. 4. Six weeks after operation swelling completely subsided without dyspnea and dysphagia.

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    MeSH Terms
    Humans
    Radiculopathy
    Spine
    Total Disc Replacement
    Metrics
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    Figures
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