Results of this study indicate that better outcome in noninstrumented anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is associated with solid fusion, fewer fused levels, nonsmoking patients, higher education levels, and absence of secondary economic gain. There was no correlation between fusion status and bone graft source or use of cervical collar.

Lateral mass plating was associated with no vertebral artery or spinal cord injury. There was a 1.8%-per-screw risk of radiculopathy, which corresponds with published cadaveric studies. Radicular symptoms improved with screw removal in each case. The advantages of segmental fixation achieved with lateral mass plates and screws must be weighed against the risk of radiculopathy.

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An acute traumatic epidural hematoma extending from the odontoid process to the dorsum sella is described. The mechanism for the formation of an extradural hematoma in this unusual location seems to be related to age and a severe hyperflexion injury.

No abstract