Anterior Cervical Fusion in Hemodialytic Patients: Report of 8 Cases

Abstract

Eight hemodialytic (HD) patients who were surgically treated by anterior spinal fusion at the cervical level were reviewed. Postoperative neurologic recovery was generally good (53.8% in average), but substantial correction loss was observed in six out of a total of eight cases. Two cases developed pseudarthrosis, and one of whom developed recurrence of myelopathy followed by additional posterior procedure with reconstruction. Incorporation of strut grafts took nine months on average. Postoperatively no severe general complication was observed. Temporary arrhythmia was observed in one case. Two cases died during follow-up. Anterior spinal fusion provides neurological improvement but results in substantial correction loss in many cases. Posterior method with instrumentation or combined method is expected to serve as a promising treatment in the future.