Comparison of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Cage versus Iliac Bone Graft undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): A multicenter experience

Background:In anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), the two most frequently used materials are allografts and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. The aim of the study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages with iliac crest allografts in anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in patients of symptomatic Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).Methods:In this cohort study, we included 70 (35 in each group) patients of symptomatic CSM having degenerative cervical disc disease who were planned for ACDF from Jan-2017 to Jan-2021 in Rawalpindi Medical University. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia in supine position, standard ACDF technique was used in all patients. Anterior cervical locked plates were used for fixation of PEEK cages or the iliac allografts in the inter-vertebral space. Radiologic and functional outcomes were determined till 6 months after surgery. Results:The baseline study characteristics were similar between the groups. Mean Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (MJOA) score at 06 months’ follow-up was same between the groups; 14.16±4.30 in group A and 13.54±3.24 in group B (p-value 0.49). Disc space height at 06 months’ follow-up was also similar between the groups; 10.01±0.67 mm in group A versus 10.11±0.70 mm in group B (p-value 0.54). Fusion rate at final follow-up was 31 (88.6%) in group A versus 30 (85.7%) in group B (p-value 0.72).Conclusion:PEEK cages have similar functional and radiologic outcomes in comparison to ileal crest allografts. So, PEEK cages can be used as a successful alternative to ileal crest allografts this will help to reduce donor site morbidity and will reduce longer surgical times associated with graft harvesting.