Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Cervical disc herniation is commonly treated by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Cervical plate fixation may decrease the micro-movement of the cervical spine, enhance the fusion rate, and correct the spinal curve to physiologic lordosis. 
Aim and Objectives: The current work aimed to assess the operative outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion augmented by anterior plating compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion alone for the treatment of single or multilevel degenerative cervical disc herniation.
Patient and method: This work has been performed upon 30 adult cases with single or multilevel degenerative cervical disc herniations were divided equally and randomly into two groups: Group A was subjected to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, Group B was subjected to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion augmented with anterior plating in the department of Neurosurgery, Tanta University Hospitals between February 2022 and February 2023.
Results: ACDF alone was done to 15 cases, 15 patients were with ACDF augmented by plate fixation. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) of the myelopathic patients in group A ranged from 30% to 50 % with a mean value of 38.33 ± 10.41%, in group B ranged from 25% to 30% with a mean value of 27.50 ± 3.54% before surgery. The postoperative NDI in group A ranged from 10% to 30% with a mean value of 18.33 ± 10.41%, and in group, B ranged from 10% to 15% with a mean value of 12.50 ± 3.54%. The pain was evaluated using an 11-point Visual Analog Scale. The preoperative (VAS) for neck pain in group A ranged from 4 to 9 with a mean value of 6.40 ± 1.35, and for brachialgia, and ranged from 5 to 10 with a mean value of 7.93 ± 1.33. In group B, it ranged from 5 to 8 with a mean value of 6.60 ± 1.12 for neck pain, and from 7 to 10 with a mean value of 8.07 ± 1.03 for brachialgia. The post-operative Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for neck pain in group A ranged from 1 to 3 with a mean value of 1.93 ± 0.70, and for brachialgia ranged from 1 to 3 with a mean value of 1.93 ± 0.80. In group B, the post-operative (VAS) ranged from 1 to 3 with a mean value of 1.93 ± 0.70 for neck pain, and from 1 to 3 with a mean value of 2.0 ± 0.65 for brachialgia. 
Conclusion: This study revealed the efficacy, advantages, and limitations of two techniques used in the management of cervical degenerative disc disease.