Efficacy of anterior cervical fusion: Comparison of titanium cages, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages and autogenous bone grafts

This retrospective study was designed to analyze and compare the efficacy and outcomes of anterior cervical fusion using titanium cages, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages and autogenous tricortical bone grafts. Fifty-five patients who underwent segmental anterior discectomy with a follow-up period up to 12 months enrolled in this study. They were divided into three groups: titanium cage with biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (Triosite; Zimmer, Berlin, Germany) in group A (n = 27); PEEK cage with Triosite in group B (n = 9); and autogenous tricortical iliac crest bone graft in group C (n = 19). The fusion rates after 6 months were 37.21% in group A, 93.3% in group B, and 84.85% in group C. The fusion rates after 6 months were 37.21% in group A, 93.3% in group B, and 84.85% in group C. The fusion rates after 1 year in groups A, B, and C were 46.51% 100% and 100% respectively. The PEEK cage is a viable alternative to autogenous tricortical bone grafts in anterior cervical fusion. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.