Comparing Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Cage Placement vs. Plate Fixation for Single-Level Cervical Disc Disease

Abstract Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a widely employed procedure for patients with sin-gle-level cervical disc disease. Decompression is performed using two main methods: Anterior cervical discectomy us-ing stand-alone cages (ACD-CI) and anterior plate fixation (ACDF-APF). Aim of Study: This retrospective study aims to compare these procedures regarding clinical outcomes, fusion rates, complications, and patient satisfaction in patients aged 20-75 years with symptomatic single-level cervical disc disease. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of patients that underwent ACDF (both ACD-CI and ACDF-APF) was performed. Clinical outcomes such as pain score, neurological recovery, fusion rate, and complications were collected. Radi-ographic analyses were conducted to evaluate fusion and cer-vical alignment. Results: Both techniques significantly reduced pain and en-hanced neurological function. Fusion rates were higher in the ACDF-APF group (92% vs. 80%) but also with more complica-tions, including (but not limited to) dysphagia and hardware-re-lated complications. The ACD-CI cohort had fewer complica-tions with slightly lower fusion rates. Conclusion: ACD-CI and ACDF-APF are both feasible methods for the treatment of single-level cervical disc disease. Patient factors and surgeon comfort should guide the selection of technique.