Cervical spinal interbody fusion with Kiel bone.

Experience with the use of the Kiel bone graft in anterior cervical interbody fusion in cervical spondylosis is reported. The survey reviews the results of operations on 73 disc spaces in 65 consecutive patients, from 2 to 5 years after the operation. We have failed to confirm that any bony fusion in the true sense occurs with Kiel bone in anterior cervical interbody fusion. However, the aims of the operations are achieved, namely removal of the disc and osteophyte, fixation of the spine to prevent compression of the neural tissues, distraction of the adjacent vertebral bodies providing increased room in the intervertebral foramina and stability of the spine.