Abstract
The study was conducted to review the outcome in cases of anterior expandable interbody cages inserted through a posterior only approach. Cases selected were the anterior cage insertion and posterior stabilization patients managed by posterior only approach.
Study includes the patients of various pathologies requiring 3 column support. Twenty patients were included in study. Pathology in 9 patients was tuberculosis, trauma in 3, tumours in 3, metastasis in 3 and deformities in 2patients. Patients with or without neurological deficit were included.
Cases were carefully assessed and patients with single level involvement were included as more then single level involvement required more extensive exposure and possible nerve root sacrifice. Detailed neurological status was recorded. The surgery was performed in prone position and after posterior stabilization by pedicle screws the extracavitatory approach was used to insert the expandable cage. In cases of suspicious pathologies the samples for histopathology and staining were collected.
Morbidity, mortality blood loss, surgical time, complications, outcome of surgery were compared with historical controls of front and back surgery.
The insertion of cages from posterior approach was feasible in all carefully planned cases. None of the patients had problem related to implant in form of cage displacement. All the patients had satisfactory outcome.
Posterior stabilization of spine with expandable cage insertion from posterior approach saves the operating time, spares the additional surgical incision and blood loss without compromising the outcome. In carefully planned surgeries it gives excellent results irrespective of etiology.
