Abstract
Vely, presence of positive roentgenographic findings at only one vertebral level, presence of myelographic defects which correlated with the levels operated on, and achievement of a solid union without interspace collapse. None of these factors, however, were indispensable to a good result. Those factors which were associated with a bad result were: the presence preoperatively of long tract signs and the preoperative presence of subluxation of a vertebra. Psychological testing (Cornell Index) did not differentiate whether the results would be favorable or unfavorable. An extensive evaluation of the results of anterior spine fusion in sixty-five patients with cervical spondylosis showed that good results with respect to relief of pain were Obtained in 90 per cent. The factors predisposing to more favorable results were: presence of radicular symptoms preoperatively, presence of positive roentgenographic findings at only one vertebral level, presence of myelographic defects which correlated with the levels operated on, and achievement of a solid union without interspace collapse. None of these factors, however, were indispensable to a good result. Those factors which were associated with a bad result were: the presence preoperatively of long tract signs and the preoperative presence of subluxation of a vertebra. Psychological testing (Cornell Index) did not differentiate whether the results would be favorable or unfavorable. Copyright © 1973 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated...