[Surgical treatment of cervical arthrosis. Follow-up review (2-13 years) of the 1st 100 cases operated on by anterior approach].

The authors have dissected 137 cadavers and have noted the frequency of degenerative lesions of the intervertebral disc and articular facets. Calcified protrusions were more frequent than uncalcified ones. During the same period, 100 patients were operated on, 72 of whom suffered from root involvement and 28 from root and cord involvement. The Cloward technique was used at one or two levels in 90 cases and partial resection of the vertebral bodies when more than two levels were involved in 10 cases. The technique of bone resection and grafting is described in detail. Few complications were noted, all of which regressed. There was one post-operative death. Fusion was obtained in all cases. In 22 cases a post-operative kyphosis was noted. 87 patients had a true improvement in their neurological status.