Long-term outcome following three-level stand-alone anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: Is plating necessary?

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is a proven method for the treatment of selected patients. The necessity of use of an anterior plate is controversial. The article aims to assess the fusion rates (FRs) and long-term outcomes following three-level ACDF. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from the medical records of patients operated on due to degenerative cervical disease. All patients were treated with three-level ACDF employing polyether ether-ketone cages without anterior plating. Visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and plain radiographs were used in the clinical and radiological postsurgery assessment. Fusion evaluation was performed according to the <1 mm motion between spinous processes rule. Subsidence was defined as a more than 2 mm decrease in the interbody height. Results: A total of 234 treated levels on 78 patients were assessed. The mean presurgery NDI score was 23.07 ± 4.86, with a mean disability of 46.03% ± 9.64. The mean presurgery VAS score of the neck was 7.58 ± 0.85, while VAS score of the arm was 7.75 ± 1.008. Post surgery, NDI stated no disability, while VAS score of the neck and arm showed no presence of pain. The mean FR was 19.50 ± 21.71 levels per month, with a peak from 3^rd to 6^th month. Presurgery evaluation showed 12 (15.38%) patients with a high T2 sequence signal. Magnetic resonance imaging screening detected 31 (39.24%) patients with coexisting cervical and lumbar findings. Post surgery, transient dysphagia was reported by 1 patient (1.28%), while subsidence was registered in 15 (6.41%) levels, situated in 12 patients (15.38%), most often at C_6-7 (66.6%). Clinical and radiological follow-up extended to 69.47 ± 11.45 months. Conclusion: Multilevel stand-alone ACDF is a safe, cost-effective procedure providing favorable clinical and radiological results with minimal complications. The incidence of subsidence is usually clinically insignificant and can be decreased with a careful surgical technique.

Key-words:

Anterior cervical discectomy - fusion - outcome - stand alone

Introduction

Since its introduction in the 1950s, anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) has been established as the gold standard technique for the treatment of symptomatic degenerative cervical disease (DCD), providing excellent results in most patients.[[1]] The use of anterior plating is typically suggested in multilevel discectomies to provide better stability. The necessity, however, of this technique has been questioned over the years since similar results can be achieved employing the stand-alone technique, especially in one- or two-level surgery.[[2]],[[3]] The article aims to assess the fusion rates (FRs) and long-term outcomes following three-level ACDF without the use of an anterior plate.

Materials and Methods

Patients

Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of 78 patients primary operated on for symptomatic DCD at three-cervical spine levels due to electromyographic and radiographic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of compressed cervical nerve roots or spinal cord by ossified bony elements or herniated disc, with concordant radiculopathy and/or myelopathy symptoms. No trauma patients were included in this study. Due to lack of set norms in the literature, regarding the time of eligibility of these patients for a surgical procedure, our department's protocol was followed, offering surgery to patients with persistent neck and/or upper extremity pain and/or neurological deficits, without previous physical therapy treatment.

Surgical technique

All patients were treated with three-level ACDF, by a single surgical team, employing the standard Smith–Robinson approach.[[4]] The cartilaginous disc end plate was removed, while excessive care was taken to avoid any damage of the bony end plate, followed by osteophytectomy and foraminotomy in the vast majority of cases. Radiographic-guided trials were employed in the size selection process of the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cages. Autologous local decompression bone as well as synthesized hydroxyapatite–collagen artificial bone was used to fill the cages thus promotingfusion.

Outcome assessment

Clinical assessment (visual analog scale [VAS] of the neck and arm,[[5]] and neck disability index [NDI][[6]]) and radiological assessment (plain radiograph) were performed once per month until fusion was accomplished as a part of the surgical team's follow-up protocol. Postsurgery MRI was conducted in patients that presented with radiographic signs of myelopathy (high signal on T2 sequence) on the preoperative imaging. FR was evaluated employing the <1 mm motion between the spinous processes system.[[7]] Subsidence was defined as a more than 2 mm decrease of the interbody height.[[8]] Plain radiograph measurements were compered to MRI to define magnification by an experienced independent radiologist. Patient follow-up was 69.47 ± 11.45 months. All data management and analysis were performed using the IBM SPSS v. 21 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Normality was assessed employing the Shapiro-Wilk test. Descriptive data were presented as Mean and Standard Deviation. Qualitative data were tested employing chi-squared test, while quantitative were assessed by a t-test. A statistically significant difference between comparative groups was considered at the 95% confidence interval (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Clinical and radiological characteristics

A total of 234 treated levels on 78 patients, 43 (55.2%) male and 35 (44.8%) female, with a mean age of 50.73 ± 8.88 (minimum: 30; maximum: 71) years were assessed after treated with three-level ACDF. The mean presurgery NDI score was 23.07 ± 4.86 (minimum: 13; maximum: 34), with a mean disability of 46.03% ± 9.64 [[Table 1]]. The mean presurgery VAS score of the neck was 7.58 ± 0.85 (minimum: 6; maximum: 9), while VAS of the arm was 7.75 ± 1.008 (minimum: 6; maximum: 9) [[Table 2]] and [[Table 3]].

Table 1: Neck Disability Index patient scores

Table 2: Self-reported isual analog scale - neck pain level

Table 3: Self-reported Visual analog scale - arm pain level

During the presurgery evaluation, 12 (15.38%) patients manifested a high T2 sequence signal. MRI screening detected 31 (39.24%) patients with coexisting cervical and lumbar radiographical findings.

Surgical data

The surgical time was approximately. 3.16 h ± 0.29. Hospitalization extended for 2.22 ± 0.42 days.

Complications

Post surgery, transient dysphagia was reported by 1 patient (1.28%), while from the total number of operated levels subsidence was registered in 15 (6.41%) situated in 12 patients (15.38%), most often at C6-7 level (66.6%) [[Table 4]].

Table 4: Subsidence incidence per level employing the more than 2 mm decrease of the interbody height Subsidence

Outcome

Post surgery, NDI stated no disability (1.93 ± 0.87; minimum: 1 and maximum: 3), as shown in [[Table 5]], while VAS score of the neck and arm showed no presence of pain (neck: 0.10 ± 0.30; minimum: 0 and maximum: 1, arm: 0.19 ± 0.53; minimum: 0 and maximum: 3) as manifested in [[Table 6]] and [[Table 7]]. The mean FR was 19.50 ± 21.71 levels per month (minimum: 0; maximum: 51), with a maximum peak from 3rd to 6th month [[Figure 2]]. Post surgery, high signal resolved in 8 (66.6%) at 12-month follow-up.

Table 5: Neck Disability Index scores on first post surgery follow-up

Table 6: Self-reported Visual Analog Scale grade for neck pain on first post-surgery follow-up

Table 7: Self-reported Visual Analog Scale grade for arm pain on first post-surgery follow-up

Discussion

To our knowledge, there are scarce mentions of three or more level ACDF without anterior plating in the literature. Anterior cervical plating was popularized in the early 1980s and remains a widely used technique, especially in the treatment of three and more levels, as it is believed to positively influence alignment and outcome.[[9]] However, the necessity of plating is controversial if Wolff's law of biomechanics is taken into consideration, according to which bone formation is stimulated by mechanical loading, a law on which the superior results of dynamic plating were attributed.[[10]] Based on the aforementioned results, we could conclude that taking the plate out of the occasion would result in even higher FRs in a shorter period of time as supported further, by the results of this study. Literature also shows good postsurgery results in patients who were treated with only interbody spacers for up to four levels, with one case report advocating the safety of employing this technique for up to five levels.[[11]],[[12]] Bagby advocate the use of stand-alone cages in ACDF based on the distraction–compression principle.[[13]] The results of this study support the aforementioned theory.

The assessment was performed employing NDI and VAS scoring systems, as well as clinical neurological evaluation. Most of the patients presented with moderate disability (46.03% ± 9.64%; NDI 23.07 ± 4.86) and reported VAS pain of the neck: 7.58 ± 0.85/arm: 7.75 ± 1.008. Post surgery, none of the patients reported any disability or pain (NDI: 0–3; VAS neck: 0–1; VAS arm: 0–3) (P < 0.001 – NDI; P = 0.004 – VAS neck; P = 0.002 – VAS arm). Our good results support the literature, showing up a 90% likelihood of relief of radicular pain and stabilization.[[14]]

Some researchers advocate the use of a low focal T1 and/or high T2 signal as a negative prognostic factor regarding posttreatment outcome, while others defy this.[[15]],[[16]],[[17]],[[18]],[[19]],[[20]],[[21]] Our results support the last as during presurgery evaluation, 12 (15.38%) of the patients manifested a high intense T2 signal, without compromising the results. The aforementioned results, however, could be associated with a higher NDI score (ranging from 27 to 34). No association with VAS was observed. We support the use of diffusion tensor imaging, a relatively new promising technique which detects the random motion of water molecules, providing information about cellular integrity/pathology, thus detecting white matter damage before a high T2 signal appears, presenting a great tool in the presurgery evaluation. Our patients were also MRI screened for degenerative lumbar syndrome (DLS) resulting in 31 (39.24%) patients, having coexisting cervical and lumbar manifestations, some of who were operated on for both in one act. Literature suggests that coexisting lumbar stenosis is a fairly common (up to 28%) finding in these patients and one may mask the symptoms of the other; therefore, patients with lumbar stenosis should also be evaluated for DCD and vice versa.[[22]],[[23]],[[24]]

The goal of operative treatment is the decompression of the spinal cord without compromising alignment and stability. All of our patients received stand-alone PEEK interbody spacers embedded with local decompression bone and/or hydroxyapatite–collagen artificial bone, a widely used technique providing superior FRs, while avoiding the donor site morbidity associated with iliac crest harvesting.[[25]],[[26]]

Recent literature suggests numerous available methods to assess fusion and thus diagnose pseudoarthrosis, resulting often in a disagreement between surgeons and reviewers. Oshina et al. in their extensive review found 10 fusion criteria and concluded that the presence of trabecular bone between the end plates was the most commonly used definition. However, the authors found the particular classification highly subjective and recommended the use of the <1 mm of motion between spinous processes on the extension and flexion system to confirm fusion [[7]] [[Figure 1]]. Furthermore, FRs were reported as 90.2% at 1 year and 94.7% at 2 years.[[7]] Based on the aforementioned results, the second criteria system was employed in the evaluation process. The 1st year FR was 100%, with a significant peak registered between months 3 and 6, as shown in [[Figure 2]]. Moreover, there is a common belief that fusion is not possible during the 1st month postsurgery; however, 7.70% of the treated levels fulfilled the criteria for being classified as fused, thus manifesting that early fusion is possible.

Figure 1: Postsurgery plain radiograph in hyperextension and hyperflexion, used in fusion rate evaluation employing the <1 mm movement between the spinal processes system

Figure 2: Fusion Rate per month assessed employing the <1 mm of motion between the spinous processes criteria

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a broad term describing new postsurgery findings, such as intervertebral disc herniation, hypertrophic facet arthritis, listhesis, instability, scoliosis, and vertebral compression fracture in patients treated with fusion techniques, especially in those with single-level arthrodesis involving the C5-6 vertebrae and preexisting radiographic evidence of adjacent level degeneration.[[27]] The leading opinion is that altered biomechanical status of the cervical spine due to arthrodesis as well as the disruption of anatomical structures including even soft-tissue damage results in an increase of intradiscal pressure, leading to the degeneration of the adjacent segment intervertebral discs (evidence level III).[[28]],[[29]],[[30]] Literature advocates that in case the surgeon uses the cervical plating technique, the plate-to-disc distance can contribute at a great extend in the progression of ASD if the plate is positioned <3 mm from the adjacent disc and as a result, a gap of at least 5 mm should be used.[[31]],[[32]] The avoidance of plating should diminish the incidence of ASD, as shown in this study, as none of the patients presented with the same in the long term.

Dysphagia and dysphonia are the most common complications, with rates 1%–79%.[[33]],[[34]] Dysphagia presents a controversial entity associated with soft-tissue swelling, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, pharyngeal plexus denervation, direct injury, and regional esophageal ischemia. Likewise, dysphonia is associated with RLN palsy, while it can also present due to the direct trauma of the vocal cords during intubation. One patient presented with self-reported dysphagia (1.28%) subsiding a month postsurgery. None of our patients presented with dysphonia. The aforementioned results may be associated with the absence of an anterior plate, application of retraction with periodic pressure release, and fine soft-tissue handling.

Subsidence presents an important radiographic finding, resulting in a long-term foraminal reduction. The literature reports an incidence of 8.1%–44.77%.[[25]],[[29]] We registered 15 (6.41%) subsidence in 234 operated interbody spaces, without compromising clinical outcome. Subsidence is a multifactorial radiographic finding and it does not depend solely on the presence or absence of a plate. The literature suggests that greater distance between anterior cage rim and vertebral body and less contact surface between cage and end plate are significant risk factors due to increased stress applied on the surface of the end plate.[[35]] Low bone mineral density, excessive distraction during interbody-spacer application, and intraoperative end-plate damage can also increase the incidence. The good results demonstrated in this study may be associated with proper preparation of patients and fine manipulation, thus reduction of bone damage and selection of proper cage height and AP diameter. A very interesting finding was that the most common level of subsidence was the C6-7, registered in as many as 66.6% of the cases, a finding in accordance with the literature.[[36]] However, none of the patients' outcome or FR was affected despite negative radiological measurements in our study or in recently published papers.

Last but not least, we have to take into consideration the surgical time which is shorter in the employment of our technique (our mean surgical time was approximately 3 h 16 m), as well as the socioeconomical gain as less materials are introduced (Greece's lowest price found according to the National Health System Observatory for anterior plate 536€), thus decreasing surgical team fee due to less procedures performed (National Insurance Program per ICD for ACDF with plating 6000€ including 7 hospitalization days).[[37]],[[38]] As a result, a sum of 41.808€ was saved from the National Insurance System, Private Sector Insurance System, and Personal Funds of the Health Services Users, without introducing into the equation the fee difference of the surgical team.

Conclusion

ACDF without the use of an anterior plate in three levels is a safe, cost-effective technique providing good short, intermediate, and long-term clinical results with a minimal incidence of complications. The use of stand-alone cages can provide similar or better FRs compared to plating. Subsidence can occur, but it is clinically insignificant. Correct cage size selection and positioning may lower its incidence. Patients presenting with DCD should be also screened for DLS as a significant incidence of coexistence can be detected, thus providing the opportunity of dual treatment in one act that could result in even better outcomes.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

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Publication History

Received: 25 June 2019

Accepted: 08 April 2020

Article published online:
16 August 2022