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Cervical Spine Fusion Without a Hospital Stay

Many studies have reported the results of cervical spine (neck) fusion. This is the first report of results from the operation done on an out-patient basis.

Thirty (30) patients were treated at the ambulatory surgery center with an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The results of their treatment were compared with a control group. The second group of 30 patients had the same surgery in the hospital with an overnight stay.

All patients had a disc problem in the cervical spine. The ACDF consists of removing the disc, putting a bone graft in the empty space, and attaching a metal plate in front of the bone.

The outpatient group had fewer complications. The authors think this is because of the careful selection process for these patients. They conclude ACDF is yet another of the many orthopedic procedures that can now be done on an outpatient basis.

References: Jonathan R. Stieber, MD, et al. Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion with Plate Fixation as an Outpatient Procedure. In The Spine Journal. September 2005. Vol. 5. No. 5. Pp.503-507.

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