An Early Comparative Analysis of the Use of Autograft Versus Allograft in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to verify the usefulness of autograft versus allograft in the radiographic and clinical outcome in early period after the surgery. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 38 patients who had undergone one- or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with rigid anterior plate fixation from March 2006 to May 2009. Interbody graft materials were iliac autograft (n=17) or with allograft (n=21). Fusion rate and graft collapse rate were assessed by radiographic analysis and clinical outcome was based on Odom's criteria. RESULTS In autograft group, 13 patients achieved successful bone fusion (65%), whereas 7 patients (31.8%) in allograft group. There was statistically significant between two groups (p<0.05). Comparing immediate postoperative radiograph with last follow-up, the mean graft collapse was noted 1.3mm(15.5% change) in autograft group, whereas 2.0mm(24.7% change) in allograft group. There was no statistically significant collapse rate in autograft group (p>0.05), but statistically significant in allograft group (p<0.05). Clinical outcome was excellent or good in 94.1% in autograft group, and 90.5% in allograft group. CONCLUSION In study, anterior cervical interbody fusion with an allograft got a result of lower fusion rate and higher collapse rate compared with autograft in early period after surgery, and clinical outcome showed similar results in both groups.