A prospective clinical comparison of rectangular XXXX cages and iliac crest autografts in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

@entity1 @entity3799 @entity158 @entity702 @entity1516
The complications of autogenous bone grafting cause spinal surgeons to seek alternative methods for cervical spinal fusion. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rectangular @entity702 cages as compared to the widely performed iliac crest autograft fusion. Thirty-six @entity1 with @entity3799 in whom an anterior cervical approach was indicated for discectomy were included in a prospective controlled study protocol with 1-year follow-up. The first 18 consecutive @entity1 received iliac crest autograft, while the next 18 received rectangular @entity702 cages. According to Odom's criteria, 15 of 18 (83%) @entity1 in both groups experienced good to excellent functional recovery. According to the @entity1 satisfaction index, 17 of 18 (94%) in both groups were satisfied. There were no significant differences in neck or arm @entity158 . Fusion was present after 1 year in 16 of 18 (89%) @entity1 in the iliac crest autograft group and 15 of 18 (83%) in the rectangular @entity702 cage group. In the autograft group, one case of @entity1516 was present, and marked @entity158 was observed in four @entity1 . There were no implant-related complications in the cage group. The authors conclude that @entity702 cages in anterior cervical discectomy constitute a safe and efficient alternative to iliac crest bone autograft.
