The trapezial plate osteosynthesis: an advanced technology for anterior internal stabilization in cervical spine injuries and for the treatment of neck instability due to non traumatic causes.

The authors present a series of anterior fusion of the cervical spine using internal fixation by means of a screwed plate. After the description of the surgical technique utilized in 408 consecutive surgical procedures the authors report the results of 60 patients affected by traumatic lesions and followed up 1 to 3 years. In 27 cases a single-level fusion was performed; in 2 cases a two-level fusion; in 17 cases a subtotal corporectomy, and in 14 cases a total corporectomy. A good bony fusion was obtained in all 60 cases. All patients improved neurologically from incomplete cord and root lesions. None of the patients showed neurological worsening. Complications were rare and minor. Anterior fusion of the cervical spine with an osteosynthetic screwed plate is a surgical technique that is able to offer satisfying outcomes in cervical traumatic lesions and in non traumatic cervical pathology.