CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT WITH POLYETHERETHERKETONE CAGES: CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH 151 CASES

Authors

  • Muhammad Junaid
  • Anisa Kalsoom
  • Muhammad Khalid
  • Syed Sarmad Bukhari

Abstract

Background: There is active debate amongst surgeons regarding best available method for cervical inter-body fusion. This study evaluates success of disc replacement with  polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in patients operated for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Methods: This case series was conducted between 2008 and 2012 during which 151 patients were treated with cervical inter-body fusion with PEEK cages. PEEK cages were packed with cancellous bone taken from iliac crest. The duration of follow up was 1 year. Subsidence, fusion, cage migration, and/or breakage were assessed using serial cervical X-Rays. Results: Mean age was 42.6 years with standard deviation of 9.37. No implant insufficiency was observed in any case while fusion rate was 100%. Conclusion: Many techniques and materials are available for use in vertebral inter-body fusion. The use of PEEK cage seems to be a good alternative in that it has minimal complications and gives excellent results in skilled hands and gives results comparable to other options.Keywords: Cervical discectomy, inter body implant, PEEK cage

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Published

2014-12-01

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