ObjectiveTo explore the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis combined with cervicogenic vertigo, and to investigate the clinical results of anterior discectomy and fusion in treating the disease. MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 83 patients with cervical spondylosis myelopathy (n=60, 72%) or radiculopathy (n=23, 37.3%) accompanied by sympathetic symptoms such as dizziness between March 2008 and November 2012. The disease involved single segment in 29 cases, double segment in 50 cases, and triple in 4 cases. All the segments involved were treated with anterior discectomy and fusion. Vertigo alleviation was observed before surgery, 3 days after surgery, and during the final follow-up. Neurological status was evaluated by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score system and sympathetic symptoms were evaluated with vertigo symptom and function scoring system. ResultsThe average follow-up was 21 months (ranging from 12 to 30 months). Significant difference was observed between sympathetic symptom scores and JOA scores before surgery and 3 days after surgery or at the final follow-up (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the scores 3 days after surgery and during the final follow-up (P>0.05). ConclusionThe surgical effect for cervicogenic vertigo is often accompanied by the relief of spinal cord and nerve roots symptoms. Surgery is effective for cervical spondylosis combined with cervicogenic vertigo.
ObjectiveTo explore the surgical indication and summarize the experiences of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. MethodsSeventy-five cases of cervical spondylosis were treated with ACDF from January 2010 to October 2013, including 34 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 41 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The pre/post-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and imaging data were observed. ResultsThirty-six patients were followed up for 6 to 25 months, with an average of 16 months. The mean JOA score before surgery was 10.67±2.66, and 3 months later, the score was 13.47±2.06. Six months later the score was 14.11±1.56, and after 12 months the score was 14.97±1.78. No spinal cord injury or esophagus, trachea injury occurred, and there was no superior laryngeal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during the operation. Eight cases of postoperative dysphagia obviously decreased within 3-5 days, 6 cases decreased within 5-7 days, and 10 cases decreased within 3 weeks. And all 36 patients recovered within one month. There was no titanium mesh subsidence, displacement or titanium plate failure after operation. ConclusionACDF is suitable for the decompression of spinal cord or nerve root which is compressed by the degenerated intervertebral disc, especially without rigid kyphosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament extending across multiple segments, and the compression located at the level of intervertebral disc. The appropriate approach can achieve a stable efficacy, less interference on the stability of the spine, and the incision heals fast. It is a kind of classic anterior cervical operation for it can reduce the complication effectively.