[Arthrodesis of the cervical vertebrae by the anterior approach for the treatment of cervicobrachial neuralgias of discal origin (author's transl)].

Cervicobrachial neuralgia of discal origin can be improved by a simple operation: excision of the pathological disc followed by an intercorporeal arthrodesis by the anterior approach, using an implanted graft without the use of any osteosynthetic material. The authors performed 20 such operations, using this method as described by Cloward, with very encouraging results. The selection of patients suitable for surgery, however, depends on strict criteria: isolated definite discal pathology, usually post-traumatic, suspected clinically and confirmed by a standard radiograph and gas myelography; finally, conclusive proof of immobilisation. The simple nature of the operation, the rapidity with which it can be performed, the short period of hospitalization and professional care required, and the absence of sequelae, are several factors which suggest that this surgical procedure should become the standard therapy for cervicobrachial neuralgias, as it is for the surgical cure of lumbar disc hernias. The introduction of more precise and comfortable radiographic methods, such as the scanner and metrizamide myelography, will ensure that this functional type of surgery becomes more economical and responds to the individual needs of the patients.