Anterior fibular interbody fusion in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injuries.

A series of six patients with cervical spine fracture and spinal cord injury treated by removal of the fractured vertebral body and fibular strut graft is presented. There was no immediate mortality or major complication associated with the procedure. The stabilization achieved allowed early mobilization. Solid fusion was achieved in three months in all patients. Postmortem examination in one case showed union at the ends of the graft and bridging of the injured area by new bone. In selected patients interbody fusion is an important adjunct in the treatment of the fractured cervical spine.