Anterior cervical discectomy without fusion or instrumentation: 25 years' experience.

Objective: To assess a minimalist approach to anterior cervical discectomy without instrumentation or bone grafting.

Method: A total of 530 operations performed during a 25-year period were evaluated in terms of technique and patient outcome.

Results: Advantages included minimal blood loss, little tissue swelling, less narcotic requirement, fewer days in the hospital, and earlier return to customary activity. During the 2-year follow-up period, a repeat surgical procedure was required in only 2% of the group.

Conclusions: Eliminating spinal fusion from anterior cervical discectomy shortened the operation, reduced the number of surgical instruments needed, and eliminated complications associated with obtaining a graft from the iliac crest or maintaining the bone in situ.