The results of anterior fusion and titanium p/ating in the treatment of subaxia/ cervica/ instabilities

The stability of cervical vertebral column is provisional for vital functions. if there is an instability the only solution is surgical stabilization. This study consistes of one case of spinal tuberculosis, one case of eosinophilic granuloma and nineteen cases of fracture-dis/ocation that caused instability at the cervical column. The mean age was 31.1 years with a female/male ratio of 11/10. The mean follow up was 22.4±8.6 months. The cervical instability was confirmed clinically and radiologically in addition to computerized tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging tests. The White score of stability was 9.1 ±4.2 and the mean anterior displacement rate was 71.2% preoperatively while the stretching test was positive in all patients. Anterior displacement was corrected 100% and the stretching test became negative af ter the operation. The stability score was found to be 2.3± 1. 7 postoperatively. Three of the eight patients with neurological deficit improved while five of them remained unchanged. These findings concluded that anterior fusion and titanium plating provides rigid fixation, early rehabilitation and mobilization and definite stability in subaxial cervical instabilities.