Clavicular Autograft for C7–T1 Anterior Spinal Fusions

Abstract

Background Arthrodesis to anterior cervical spine fusion (ACSF) following trauma remains an effective method to accomplish both vertebrae link and neural decompression using combined materials such as metal screws and plates, along a section of bone inserted between the two adjacent involved vertebrae plates, conferring reliable spinal stability. Present study shows an alternative technique using autologous ipsilateral clavicle bone graft to fracture disruptions localized at most inferior aspect of cervical spine. Methods Five adult patients with C7-T1 fracture dislocations were treated by means of clavicular autograft to promote neural decompression and vertebral fusion. An anterior cervical supramanubrial approach was performed in all patients to perform a standard surgical approach and dissection to the anterior cervical spine. Results No gross injury was found to adjacent structures, the middle one-third of the clavicle offered sufficient bone for the one to two segments fused with the remaining bone for at least two additional segments, and a convenient bone healing fusion was observed 3 to 6 months after the procedure, without local or regional complications from the technique. Conclusion Autologous clavicle may be a suitable alternative to the iliac crest for use in anterior cervical fusion procedures with a convenient bone healing fusion.