Comparison of bioresorbable and titanium plates in cervical spinal fusion: early radiologic and clinical results.

Study Design: This is a prospective, randomized, and controlled study, approved by the local ethical committee of Saarland (Germany), no. 209/06.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare clinical results, segmental motility, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility, and change of the bone density of a cervical spine segment that was treated with either bioresorbable or titanium plates in single level.

Summary And Background Data: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion including plate fixation is an accepted technique for treatment of symptomatic degenerative disc disease. Titanium plates have been used but cause imaging artifacts. Radiolucent bioresorbable plates and screws were developed to reduce the imaging artifacts associated with titanium.

Methods: Forty patients with single level cervical radiculopathy were randomized to anterior discectomy and fusion with bioresorbable plate (19 patients, study group) or titanium plate (18 patients, control group). Follow-up used a visual analog scale (VAS) with regard to brachial pain and Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck pain. Radiostereometry was performed immediately postoperative and after 6 weeks, 3, and 6 months. MRI of the cervical spine was obtained immediately postoperatively at 3 and 6 months to assess hematoma, infection, and swelling. Computed tomography of the operated cervical spine segment was performed to assess bone density, expressed in Hounsfield units.

Results: Three-dimensional analysis of segmental motion (medio-lateral, cranio-caudal and anterior-posterior) did not reveal any statistical difference between both groups at any time postoperatively (P>0.05). Fusion rate and speed evaluated on Radiostereometric analysis and computed tomography of cervical spine segment were similar in both groups. MRI of cervical spine did not show any pathology, especially hematoma and infection. The VAS and NDI did not differ between both groups after 6 months (P>0.05).

Conclusions: Anterior plate fixation by using a bioresorbable plate has the same fusion progress and stability as titanium. During the study, no complications like soft tissue swelling and infection occurred.