Background context: After cervical corpectomy, the use of tricortical autologous bone to fill the large defect is biomechanically and structurally inadequate and may lead to excessive donor site pain and morbidity. The major alternative, fibular strut allograft, has inherent problems that lead to lower rates of solid arthrodesis and graft migration. Majd et al. reported on 34 cases with a 97% solid fusion rate using titanium mesh cages and local bone graft to fill the cervical corpectomy defect.
Purpose: With long-term results, to confirm the results previously reported by Majd et al.
Study design/setting: Retrospective chart and radiological review.
Patient sample: The first 26 patients in the senior author's practice eligible for a minimum 2-year follow-up, having had cervical corpectomy reconstructed with titanium mesh cages, local bone graft and anterior plating.
Outcome measures: Odom's criteria were used to assess clinical outcome. Anteroposterior, lateral and lateral flexion and extension radiographs were used to assess fusion.
Methods: Twenty-six patients with multilevel cervical pathology underwent successful corpectomy, decompression and fusion with titanium mesh cages filled with local bone graft. Rigid anterior plating was applied across the corpectomy defect. Preoperative, operative and postoperative chart data were collected retrospectively. Radiographic assessment included a minimum 2-year follow-up.
Results: Follow-up ranged from 24 to 64 months. Clinically, 21 of 26 (80.7%) had an excellent or good clinical outcome. No radiolucencies or motion were detected on radiographic analysis, yielding a fusion rate of 100% (26 of 26). Broken or pulled out screws were identified in two patients, one of whom had plate revision. All cages remained intact with no evidence of cage settling or collapse.
Conclusions: The use of titanium mesh cages in conjunction with local bone graft, and rigid anterior plating is effective for cervical reconstruction after corpectomy and a viable alternative to the use of fibular strut allograft. These results confirm those previously reported by Majd et al.