Complications of Peek Cage Following Single Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Abstract Background: Prospective study of complications related to PEEK cage in fusion following single level anterior cervical discectomy. Aim of Study: To assess the complications related to PEEK cage following single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Patients and Methods: A total of 127 case have been operated, 12 of them developed complications after using PEEK cage after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Follow-up at Cairo University Hospital between 2011 to 2013. Outcome assessment was done using visual analogue score (VAS), forearm pain, neck pain as well as neurological assess-ment and radiological follow-up with cervical X-rays. Results: 12 patients from a total of 127 patients following single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using PEEK cage had cage related complications. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 27 months, with a mean follow-up of 15 month. There were five cases of cage migration, three cases with subsidence, two cases with adjacent level degeneration, one case with kyphotic deformity and one case pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion: Use of PEEK cage in cervical fusion following single level Anterior Cervical Discectomy is widely used and provide satisfactory results. Complications related to PEEK cage use is relatively low and avoidable through careful attention to technically steps in graft site and choosing an appropriate sized cage.