An Early Comparative Analysis of the Use of Autograft Versus Allograft in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to verify the usefulness of autograft versus allograft in the radiographic and clinical outcome in early period after the surgery.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 38 patients who had undergone one- or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with rigid anterior plate fixation from March 2006 to May 2009. Interbody graft materials were iliac autograft (n=17) or with allograft (n=21). Fusion rate and graft collapse rate were assessed by radiographic analysis and clinical outcome was based on Odom's criteria.ResultsIn autograft group, 13 patients achieved successful bone fusion (65%), whereas 7 patients (31.8%) in allograft group. There was statistically significant between two groups (p<0.05). Comparing immediate postoperative radiograph with last follow-up, the mean graft collapse was noted 1.3mm(15.5% change) in autograft group, whereas 2.0mm(24.7% change) in allograft group. There was no statistically significant collapse rate in autograft group (p>0.05), but statistically significant in allograft group (p<0.05). Clinical outcome was excellent or good in 94.1% in autograft group, and 90.5% in allograft group.ConclusionIn study, anterior cervical interbody fusion with an allograft got a result of lower fusion rate and higher collapse rate compared with autograft in early period after surgery, and clinical outcome showed similar results in both groups.

Comparison of Cortical Ring Allograft and Plate Fixation with Autologous Iliac Bone Graft for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

“…The commonly used interbody fusion materials are autograft, allograft, and cage. Among these materials, tricortical iliac autograft has provided the best outcomes with excellent fusion rate, lower proportion of delayed union [2], and good clinical results [3,4]. Recent ACDF studies using allograft have reported excellent clinical outcomes compared with those using autograft [5,6].…”

Retrospective Analysis of Arthrodesis from Various Options after Anterior Cervical Discectomy

“…[ 2 6 ] Autograft showed 65% successful fusion rate in a study by Kim et al . [ 12 ] Iliac crest autograft appears to be the gold standard when the fusion of the motion segment is considered for pain relief and functional improvement. [ 13 ] Anterior cervical interbody fusion is complimented by anterior cervical plating to maintain sagittal balance more effectively and increase fusion rates by immobilizing the segment.…”

Efficacy of cortico/cancellous composite allograft in treatment of cervical spondylosis

“…In addition, although the mean fused level between the 2 groups was not significantly different, we did not account for the influence of level of fusion on outcome. [ 15 ] Second, although we prospectively gathered patient data, we could not randomize all variables. In addition, the investigator was not blinded to the treatment received, which could have affected the study results.…”