A prospective randomized comparison between the cloward procedure and a carbon fiber cage in the cervical spine: a clinical and radiologic study.

Study Design: A prospective randomized study was conducted.

Objective: To determine whether the use of a cervical carbon fiber intervertebral fusion cage improves the outcome of anterior cervical decompression and fusion, as compared with the Cloward procedure using autograft.

Summary Of Background Data: Despite the theoretical advantages of using intervertebral cages, including reduced donor site morbidity and prevention of graft collapse, an improved clinical outcome has not yet been documented.