Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion with methyl methacrylate.

This report documents the experience of one neurosurgeon performing cervical fusion using a technique that avoids iliac bone grafts and provides immediate stabilization of the spine. More than 200 patients underwent anterior cervical diskectomy and methyl methacrylate fusion. No increased neurologic deficit, wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid fistula, direct damage to the esophagus or trachea, or hemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred. None of the patients required reoperation at the same level. The overall results compared favorably to reported series with bone grafts or bank bone.