Anterior cervical trapezoid corpectomy and fusion (ACTCF): a novel technique for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

To describe a novel technique, namely, anterior cervical trapezoid corpectomy and fusion (ACTCF), and to research its initial clinical efficacy in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). A total of 30 patients with CSM who were admitted to the hospital and treated with the ACTCF between May and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The main surgical procedures include discectomy, trapezoidal osteotomy, pruning and replanting of autogenous bone, and implantation of cage. Relevant data, including patient sex, age, follow-up time, operative duration, postoperative complications, operative level, and osteotomy segment, were collected. Visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI) before surgery, immediately, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery were collected. The decompression and fusion outcomes were evaluated by X-ray and CT. Disc height of involved segment, C2-C7 cervical lordosis (C2-C7 CL) and sagittal segmental alignment (SSA) before surgery, immediately, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery were measured. All patients in this study had favorable outcomes and experienced no postoperative complications. The limbs and neurological symptoms of 30 patients improved significantly after the operation. The mean follow-up was 13.4 months. The VAS, JOA scores and NDI significantly improved at immediately, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Disc height of involved segment, C2-C7 CL and SSA improved at immediately, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Radiographic review revealed no significant back plant settlement, and good fusion was observed at an early stage. For the treatment of CSM with cervical spinal stenosis, ACTCF may be a good alternative to traditional ACCF which can reduce complications, maintain intervertebral height, and accelerate fusion time.