Anterior cervical tunnectomy and fusion (ACTF): a novel technique for cervical canal decompression

ObjectiveTo describe a novel surgical technique note coined as anterior cervical tunnectomy and fusion (ACTF) which applying on removal of posterior vertebral bony protrusions or soft extrusions.MethodsTotal twenty-three patients from January 2016 to January 2021 who experienced with spinal cord compression and performed by ACTF were retrospectively reviewed. Herein, relevant information including patient's gender, age, BMI, intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications and postoperative hospitalized stay were collected. Furthermore, JOA and VAS score were both collected. Moreover, imaging parameters were measured and calculated on radiographs. Correlated data were analyzed by t test. Significance was considered when P < 0.05.ResultsAll patients in this study were validated with favorable outcomes and none of postoperative complications. The Nurick grade of patients dramatically deceased postoperation (P < 0.001). And postoperative VAS score of patients (P < 0.001), as well as JOA score (P < 0.001), was given dramatical significance comparing to preoperation. Furthermore, occupying rate (OR) (P < 0.001) was obviously reduced while space available cord (SAC) (P < 0.001) and diameter of spinal cord (P < 0.001) was significantly increased postoperation. Meanwhile, disc height of involved segment, C2-7 SVA, and C2-C7 Cobb angle were measured on sagittal plane of lateral radiograph. Postoperative disc height of involved segment (P < 0.001) significantly elevated comparing to preoperation. However, there were no significance on C2-7 SVA (P = 0.460) and C2-C7 Cobb angle (P = 0.097).ConclusionsThe novel surgical technique coined by ACTF is a practicable approach during taking charge of bony and soft narrowing behind vertebral space.

Automated summary

This retrospective study investigated the novel surgical technique of anterior cervical tunnectomy and fusion (ACTF) for the removal of posterior vertebral bony protrusions or soft extrusions. The results showed favorable outcomes with no postoperative complications in all patients. There were significant improvements in VAS score and JOA score postoperatively. In conclusion, ACTF is a feasible surgical technique for addressing spinal cord compression caused by bony or soft tissue narrowing in the posterior vertebral space.