Cervical spine fusions for trauma. A long-term radiographic and clinical evaluation.

Ninety-six successful cervical spine fusions performed for trauma, with a minimum of 5 years' follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic degenerative changes adjacent to fusion masses were assessed and correlated with clinical symptoms. The type of fusion, fusion extension, and final kyphosis of the involved segments were also analyzed. Twenty-eight patients had fusion masses aligned in 20 degrees or more of kyphosis. There was a significant increase in complaints of cervical pain in patients with neck fusions equal to or exceeding 20 degrees of kyphosis (P < 0.01). Evidence of mild degenerative changes adjacent to fusion masses was common, but did not correlate with symptoms.