Experience with early anterior operation in acute injuries of the cervical spine

Abstract

Abstract. Of 101 patients with acute injury to the cervical spine below the level of the axis, 74 were selected for anterior operation to ensure stability and comfort and to decompress the neural elements when indicated. Forty-six of the patients underwent a Cloward fusion at the level of the injury. Twenty-eight were treated by bar graft fusion. The indications for these procedures and the techniques involved are outlined. A success ful operative result was achieved primarily in 65 of the 74 patients and eventually in 73 patients. The management mortality for patients treated by anterior operation was 2'7 per cent. The advantages of these procedures are the achievement of comfort, the facilitation of early rehabilitation, the maintenance of bony alignment and the preservation and maximal recovery of neurological function.

History of neurosurgery at University of Toronto: the St. Michael's story

“…He was probably one of the first neurosurgeons to introduce the operating microscope for lumbar discectomy as well as the anterior approach to the cervical spine in Ontario or even Canada. 17,21 After his retirement in 1989, Horsey was recognized for his major influences on clinical research with the establishment of the Horsey Prize for best resident research presentation given yearly at the Botterell lectureship at the University of Toronto (Supplementary Table 1). Horsey died in 2002.…”

“…52 Horsey described the earliest surgical experience for early anterior operation in acute injuries of the cervical spine and a novel modified drill guide for anterior cervical fusion. 5,21 Hudson published extensively in basic science research investigating the pathophysiology of peripheral nerve injury, regeneration, and allotransplantation. 23,33,35 His laboratory graduated many prominent fellows with interests in peripheral nerve surgery and neurosurgery.…”