Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

ABSTRACT

Treatment of myelopathy secondary to multilevel cervical spondylosis traditionally has centered on various posterior decompressive procedures or anterior decompression via partial corpectomy and strut grafting. More recently, multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has been used to treat those suffering from this ailment. In contrast to a posterior approach, an anterior approach has the distinct advantage of directly addressing anterior spinal cord compression. Limiting anterior decompression to the disc spaces may often adequately decompress the spinal cord while saving the patient the added morbidity of multiple partial corpectomies and long-segment strut grafting. This article will attempt to review the pertinent literature regarding this subject and describe the relative indications and contraindications of multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

KEYWORDS

Cervical spondylosis - myelopathy - anterior cervical discectomy - fusion

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