European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A prospective randomized study comparing a cervical carbon fiber cage to the Smith-Robinson technique with allograft and plating: up to 24 months follow-up.
Intervertebral carbon fiber cages may reduce graft collapse and promote bony fusion. Their safety and efficacy in the cervical spine have been investigated; however, no study has compared the outcomes of anterior cervical decompression and placement of a carbon fiber cage with placement of allograft and plate. ⋯ The outcomes after cervical decompression and placement of a carbon fiber cage appear to be similar to cervical decompression with allograft and plating by the Smith-Robinson technique.