Retrospective And Comparative Study Of Anterior Cervical Approach Operation And Conservative Treatment For Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of anterior cervical decompression, bone graft and internal fixation and conservative method for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods A retrospective study was carried out from January 2005 to January 2010, and there were 243 cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients who were operated by anterior cervical approach operation (131 cases) or conservative method (112 cases). Results of all cases had been followed up 3 months to 3 year. A clinical outcome was quantified by the N'NAKANO and T'NAKANO grade system and VAS standard. Results The total successful rate of the operation group and that of conservative treatment group were 87.0% and 86.6%, without significantly difference (P>0.05). The time of symptom relieved after treatment were significantly difference (pain:0.5±1.7d and 14.4±7.2d; anesthesia:2.0±6.9d and 17.3±11.7d,P<0.05). The mean hospital stay of operation group and that of conservative treatment group were 14.9d and 16.3d, without significantly difference (P>0.05). The recurrence rate of operation group was significantly lower than that of conservative treatment group (2.3% and 24.1%,P<0.05). There were no seriously complications in this series. Conclusion The successful rate of anterior cervical approach operation group is similar to that of the conservative treatment group, but the recurrence rate of the group of anterior cervical approach operation is lower than that of conservative treatment group. Anterior cervical approach operation is an effective, safe treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.