Abstract
Introduction
Cervical degenerative pathology can produce pain and disability and, in case of failure of conservative treatment surgery is indicated.
Materials and methods
107 patients affected by single level cervical degenerative pathology were surgically treated by Cloward procedure. On radiographs, the sagittal segmental alignment (SSA) of the affected level and sagittal alignment of the cervical spine were measured.
Results
Preoperatively, mean SSA was 0.6° and at the last follow-up 1.8°. In particular, adjacent-level degeneration occurred more frequently in Group A than in Group B.
Conclusion
Lordotic SSA angle can be considered a protective factor against adjacent-level degeneration.
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Acknowledgments
We thank Professor Pier Giorgio Marchetti and Professor Alessandro Faldini, the treating surgeons who performed the procedure in the reported patients.
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Faldini, C., Miscione, M.T., Acri, F. et al. Single level cervical fusion by an anterior approach using autologous bone graft influences the adjacent levels degenerative changes: clinical and radiographic results at 10-year minimum follow-up. Eur Spine J 21 (Suppl 1), 90–93 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2215-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2215-1