1. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Three Year Retrospective Study M. Craig Hixson Undergraduate Tennessee Technological University

2. Objectives This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of discectomy and fusion of the cervical spine through an anterior approach (ACDF) through post-operative questionnaires and radiographic analysis. The effects of the usage of several different types on internal instrumentation shall also be evaluated. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of discectomy and fusion of the cervical spine through an anterior approach (ACDF) through post-operative questionnaires and radiographic analysis. The effects of the usage of several different types on internal instrumentation shall also be evaluated. This study will solidify existing evidence that ACDF is an effective method for treating patients who present with various anomalies of the cervical spine. Furthermore, comparing results of patients upon which varying methods of internal fixation were used shall provide new evidence regarding the superiority of particular styles of instrumentation. This study will solidify existing evidence that ACDF is an effective method for treating patients who present with various anomalies of the cervical spine. Furthermore, comparing results of patients upon which varying methods of internal fixation were used shall provide new evidence regarding the superiority of particular styles of instrumentation.

3. Background 1995 McAfee et al 1995 McAfee et al 100 Subjects 100 Subjects 2 year minimum follow-up 2 year minimum follow-up 0% Neurological Decline 0% Neurological Decline 10 instances of complications 10 instances of complications

4. Background 2004 Moreland et al 2004 Moreland et al 131 subjects 131 subjects Effects of allograft and Rabea cage vs. autograft Effects of allograft and Rabea cage vs. autograft No statistically significant differences No statistically significant differences

5. Background 2005 Kwon et al 2005 Kwon et al ACDF is effective method of treatment ACDF is effective method of treatment Necessity of proper instrumentation-aided alignment overstated in previous studies Necessity of proper instrumentation-aided alignment overstated in previous studies

6. Objective Show effectiveness of ACDF Show effectiveness of ACDF Examine differences in outcomes for patients with different internal instrumentation. Examine differences in outcomes for patients with different internal instrumentation. ACDF is an effective method of treating patients with cervical spine pain and radiculopathy. Furthermore, favorable outcomes are independent of type of internal instrumentation.

7. Methods Data Form Data Form VAS index VAS index Oswestry Index Oswestry Index

8. Data Form

9. VAS index

10. Oswestry Index 10 Section Questionnaire that evaluates a patients functional capacity 10 Section Questionnaire that evaluates a patients functional capacity

11. Methods All data obtained from follow up visits is compared to pre-operative results of same questionairres. All data obtained from follow up visits is compared to pre-operative results of same questionairres.

12. Results 3 year follow up will provide long term data. 3 year follow up will provide long term data. 102 patients sufficient population to imply statistical significance 102 patients sufficient population to imply statistical significance Studies of instrumentation are usually conducted by parties with financial ties to the hardware being studied. This study will provide an objective analysis of their effectiveness Studies of instrumentation are usually conducted by parties with financial ties to the hardware being studied. This study will provide an objective analysis of their effectiveness

13. Time Line All data has been collected All data has been collected Data will be statistically analyzed by Nov.9 Data will be statistically analyzed by Nov.9 Manuscript drafted and submitted for review by Nov. 16 Manuscript drafted and submitted for review by Nov. 16 Poster presentation of findings by Nov. 23 Poster presentation of findings by Nov. 23 Final manuscript prepared by Nov.30 Final manuscript prepared by Nov.30

14. Budget All follow up visits were on voluntary basis. All follow up visits were on voluntary basis. Radiographic review provided voluntarily by independent radiologist. Radiographic review provided voluntarily by independent radiologist. Materials for presentation should be of nominal cost. Materials for presentation should be of nominal cost.