The Efficacy of Partial Cervical Corpectomy Reconstructed with Flanged Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Cages in Patients with Short Segment Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM).

Abstract

This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy and complications of partial cervical corpectomy with flanged polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cage reconstruction for short-segment degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This retrospective study comprised 22 consecutive patients who underwent partial cervical corpectomy with flanged PEEK cage reconstruction for below-one-level DCM from May 2019 to March 2023 (Group 2). Additionally, 23 patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were included as the control group (Group 1). We analyzed demographic data, visual analog scale scores, and Nurick grades. The fusion rate was assessed on postoperative plain X-ray or computed tomography scans using a radiographic fusion scale. Lordotic angle and graft subsidence were measured in postoperative radiographs. Demographic parameters indicated no significant differences between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Both groups exhibited similar preoperative and follow-up visual analog scale scores (P > 0.05). Nurick grades consistently decreased from the preoperative state to the last follow-up in both groups (P < 0.05). In terms of the regional Cobb angle, the differences between the 2 groups were marginally non-significant at all 3 time points (P > 0.05). The occurrence of cage subsidence was similar, with 7 cases in each group, showing no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Likewise, each group had 3 cases of nonfusion, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Partial cervical corpectomy reconstructed with flanged PEEK cages is a relatively comparable treatment method for short-segment DCM.