Efficacy, Safety, and Reliability of the Single Anterior Approach for Subaxial Cervical Spine Dislocation

Cureus, 2023 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34787 · Published: February 8, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effectiveness and safety of using a single anterior surgical approach to treat subaxial cervical spine dislocations (CSD). The anterior approach involves accessing the spine from the front of the neck to decompress and stabilize the injured area. The research focuses on patients who underwent either anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), depending on whether the dislocation was reducible or not. The study assesses neurological improvement, pain reduction, and the ability to return to normal activities after the surgery, concluding that the single anterior approach is a viable option.

Study Duration

42 Months

Participants

64 patients with subaxial cervical spine dislocation

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Reduction of the dislocation was achieved in 92.2% of cases using the anterior approach, with only 7.8% requiring corpectomy.
2
Neurological improvement was observed in 87.63% of patients, excluding those with complete spinal cord injury (CSI).
3
The average Neck Disability Index (NDI) improved to 11.14±11.43, and the visual analog score (VAS) for pain decreased significantly to 2.05±0.98.

Research Summary

This study evaluates the single anterior approach for treating subaxial cervical spine dislocation (CSD), a condition that can cause significant neurological issues. The study included 64 patients who underwent ACDF or ACCF. The results showed a high rate of dislocation reduction, neurological improvement, and pain reduction. The single anterior approach is a safe and effective procedure for subaxial CSD treatment. The study concludes that the single anterior approach is a viable alternative to combined anterior-posterior procedures, offering benefits such as shorter operative time, reduced trauma, and lower costs.

Practical Implications

Surgical Approach

The single anterior approach can be considered as a primary surgical option for subaxial CSD, potentially reducing the need for more complex combined procedures.

Patient Outcomes

Patients undergoing this procedure can expect significant neurological improvement and pain reduction, leading to a better quality of life.

Resource Allocation

The single anterior approach may reduce healthcare costs due to shorter operative times, reduced hospital stays, and fewer required implants.

Efficacy, Safety, and Reliability of the Single Anterior Approach for Subaxial Cervical Spine Dislocation

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Surgical Approach

Patient Outcomes

Resource Allocation

Study Limitations

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Efficacy, Safety, and Reliability of the Single Anterior Approach for Subaxial Cervical Spine Dislocation

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Surgical Approach

Patient Outcomes

Resource Allocation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?