Treatment of severe cervical spine injuries by anterior interbody fusion with early mobilization.

A follow up study of 24 patients treated for severe injury of the cervical spine is presented. The dislocation was initially reduced by skull traction, which was later replaced by anterior fusion using a tibial graft. Solid fusion occurred in all patients. The neurological improvement was unaffected by the operation. Our conclusion is that anterior fusion as opposed to conservative treatment leads to earlier mobilization, shorter hospitalization, and less costly rehabilitation.