Iliac crest versus artificial bone grafts in 250 cervical fusions.

Autologous (149 patients) and heterologous (101 patients) bone grafts were used for fusion in 250 patients with anterior cervical surgery. A stable fusion was achieved in 98% of patients in both groups and there was no significant difference in the clinical outcome. Donor site complications (severe pain, haematoma) were seen in one sixth of the patients with autologous bone grafts. If a fusion for anterior cervical surgery is necessary, the use of a heterologous bone graft should be preferred.