Spinal Fusion with Methylmethacrylate Cage

A brief history of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery is useful. The first reports on ventral approaches to cervical disc pathology appeared in the 1950s. Two most common methods for ACDF were described by Robinson and Smith in 1955 (1) and Cloward in 1958 (2). Robinson and Smith described a surgical procedure for removing cervical disc material in which a rectangular bone graft, obtained from the iliac crest, was replaced to allow a cervical fusion to develop. In Cloward's method, discectomy was performed by a dowel technique. Although numerous modifications have been made to this procedure since the 1950s, a great majority of spine surgeons currently use either the Cloward or the Robinson and Smith's technique. Now, this technique is used in special circumstances. Marked motor deficit or agonizing intractable radicular pain with an appropriate disc imaging is a Principal indication for expedient intervention in root syndromes. Additionally, a myelopathic picture from soft central sequestra is an ordinarily reason for prompt surgery. Chronic persistent brachialgia with nerve root symptoms appropriate to the findings obtained from imaging warrants surgical treatment. Surgery is also indicated if there is a tumor or infection that compresses the cord (3).