Although there was some individual variation, at a mean of 13 months following surgery, there was no significant change in the average junctional intervertebral motion. If fusion is going to affect adjacent motion, it appears that this does not consistently occur in the first 1 to 2 years following surgery. Additionally, there was no observable relationship between motion and development of degenerative changes during this time.

A database describing intervertebral motion in asymptomatic subjects representing both sexes and a wide age range was established that should aid in interpreting intervertebral motion in patients. Evaluating various aspects of intervertebral motion may improve the clinical efficacy of radiographic flexion-extension studies of the cervical spine.

These findings suggest the quality of the bone is more instrumental in the success or failure of anterior cervical screws than is the insertional torque with which the screws are placed.

No abstract

These data will help to guide the clinician in selecting the appropriate cervical orthosis for their adult patient based on comfort, morphologic considerations, and degree of immobilization required.