Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Polyether ether Ketone Cage
Authors: Sayyahmelli S. , Alipanahi R. , Sayyahmelli S. 
Published: May 2014

Introduction The use of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cage prosthetic devices in anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) has increased rapidly. The authors present preliminary outcomes data on the PEEK cage. This study is intended to provide adjunct data for surgeons who are using or are considering the use of these devices. Patients in a single institute were studied prospectively as part of a short-term assessment of outcomes. Data were collated and analyzed by an independent researcher. Materials and Methods PEEK cages were used in consecutive candidates ( n = 108) for ACDF. Success at 6 months after surgery was determined using the major patient-reported outcome measures, visual analog scales (VAS) for arm and neck pain. Perioperative complications and number of vertebral levels were also compared among the study. Fusion and subsidence were evaluated. Results A total of 137 cages were implanted in the 108 patients. At 6-month follow-up, 83% of patients reported successful arm pain relief (VAS scores below 5). Neck pain relief was in 81%. The outcomes were similar to published studies using other cages. All operated disks exhibited at least some degree of height loss. For this comparison, a Student t-test for independent variables was used, and there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative values ( p = 0.001). Mean VAS before treatment was 8.65 ± 1.22 and after treatment was 2.13 ± 1.07 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion As is the case for other allografts, artificial or bone, the main advantage is elimination of donor site complications, and the disadvantages include potential for cage subsidence. The high fusion rate, low subsidence, stability provided by the cage, and facilitation of radiological assessment are the result of the physical properties of the PEEK material as well as the design of the cage. 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