[Anterior discectomy as treatment for a cervical radicular syndrome].

The results are presented of a retrospective survey of anterior cervical surgery followed by fusion with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of radiculopathy due to cervical intervertebral disc prolapse or spondylosis. The study included 46 patients, with a follow-up period of at least a year. Follow-up examination was performed by an independent observer. Of the patients 38 (83%) were improved, 34 (74%) having a 'good' or 'excellent' response. Postoperative complications were minor; the most frequent complication was pain or dysaesthesia at the donor site of the bone graft, the iliac crest. It is questionable whether autologous bone grafting is indicated following anterior discectomy.