Study design: This study was a roentgenographic review of 145 patients who underwent multilevel anterior cervical arthrodesis using autogenous fibula.
Objective: To determine the arthrodesis rate in multilevel cervical fusions using autogenous fibula.
Summary of background data: Previous studies have shown an unacceptably high rate of nonunions with multilevel anterior cervical arthrodesis. However, this has not been the clinical experience of the author's group.
Methods: Lateral roentgenograms taken a minimum of 2 years after surgery were reviewed independently by two radiologists. If either radiologist questioned any fusion level, the final decision was made on the basis of flexion-extension roentgenograms.
Results: An overall union rate of 90% and 94% per patient was found for each level of attempted fusion. A solid arthrodesis was achieved in 93% of the patients with two-level fusions, and 84% of the three-level fusions were solid. The difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Autogenous fibula used as a strut graft results in an acceptable union rate for multilevel anterior cervical arthrodesis.