| Objective: To study the stability of reconstructing cervical vertebrae with artificial vertebra by n-HA/PA66 and iliac crest autograft in anterior cervical decompression and fusion(ACDF). Methods: 38 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM) treated with ACDF,20 with artificial vertebra by n-HA/PA66 and dynamic plate(ABC, Aesculap, Germany),18 with iliac crest autograft and the same plate. Preoperative,1-week-after-operation,3 months-after-operation, 6 months-after-operation and the follow-up radiographs were taken, respectively. The D numerical value,the Cobb's angle and the interverberal height(HAB, height of anterior border and HPB, height of posterior border) were observed, and the data were compared statistically with the two-sample t-test check. The fusion rates were observed in the meantime by CT. Results: All patients were followed up from 6 to 15 months(mean, 9.5 months). There were no statistical differences on the changes of Cobb's angle,D numerical value,HAB and HPB from preoperative to 1 week after operation. There were statistical differences on HPB loss and Cobb's angle changes from 1 week to 3 months after operation, while no statistical differences on the changes of D numerical value and HAB. All data vary slightly after 3 months. The fusion rates were 40% and 77.8% after 3 months in artificial vertebra group and iliac crest autograft group, respectively. The grafting bones were fusioned in all patients after 9 months. Conclusions: The two materials can effectively reconstruct and keep the stability of cervical vertebrae. The artificial vertebra by n-HA/PA66 is much better than iliac crest autograft in restoring interverberal posterior height and cervical physiological curvature. The average period of time in achieving fusion of artificial vertebra is longer than that of iliac crest autograft, although both have a high fusion rate in a long-term follow-up. |
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