Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive posterior cervical fusion: a single center, single surgeon retrospective review

TL;DR

A minimally invasive cervical spine surgery technique shows high fusion rates and low complications, making it a safe and effective option.

Contribution

This study provides evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of a new minimally invasive cervical fusion technique.

Findings

Twenty-seven out of 28 patients achieved successful fusion (96%).

The minimally invasive technique had low complication rates.

One patient required additional surgery due to pseudoarthrosis.

Abstract

Standard posterior cervical fusion is a common surgical technique that utilizes lateral mass screws and rods for fixation. A relatively new, minimally invasive technique involving interfacet decortication and placement of spacers has shown promise in terms of outcomes. We sought to determine fusion rates and complications of this new technique at our institution to bolster current literature. We retrospectively reviewed all patients that underwent a 3-level or less minimally invasive posterior cervical fusions by a single surgeon. Patients were evaluated to determine fusion rates and postoperative complications. Twenty-eight patients underwent minimally invasive posterior cervical fusion. Twenty-seven demonstrated fusion (96%). One patient that underwent the procedure for juxta-fusional disease required additional surgery for pseudoarthrosis. The minimally invasive posterior cervical technique results in favorable fusion rates and has low complication rates. Our study strengthens current literature that this minimally invasive technique is a safe and effective alternative.

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