A simplified technique for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a screw-plate implanted over the Caspar distractor pins.

The author presents a simplified technique for midline screw-plate fixation in fusion procedures after anterior cervical discectomy, in which the plate is introduced over the Caspar distractor pins. The Uniplate system used, with a single screw in each vertebral body, minimizes bone damage to the vertebral body as the screws can be fixed in the holes previously used for the Caspar distractor pins. This simplified version of the classical anterior cervical fusion technique saves surgical time, facilitates screw insertion, and obviates the need for manipulations to stabilize the plate before the screws are inserted. It provides immediate stability comparable to other plate systems. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report on cervical fusion with the Uniplate system with the plate being introduced over the Caspar distractor pins.