A technique of strengthened anterior fusion of the cervical spine.

Two cases of the severe fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine with tetraplegia have been treated successfully with a new technique. This technique consists of anterior vertebral body fusion with a tibia span added to the Cloward's method. This procedure permitted substantial removal of ruptured disks and bone fragments, effectivelly strengthened the spine weakened by fracture, and also enabled early start to a postoperative rehabilitation program. It seems that fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine should be treated operatively as early as possible.