Project details

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Long-term clinical outcome after anterior cervical discectomy with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for cervical degenerative disease.

Keywords:
surgical treatment Cervical spine herniated discs

Researchers:
Drs. A.E.H. Broekema
Dr. J.M.A. Kuijlen
Prof. dr. R.J.M. Groen

Nature of the research:
retrospective cohort study

Fields of study:
neurosurgery

Background / introduction
Several surgical techniques are performed in the treatment of a cervical herniated disc. In the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the anterior cervical discectomy with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as an intervertebral spacer is most often used. In the current literature, there are indications that this technique provides less bony fusion between the operated levels than other techniques. If this finding causes clinically relevant differences in the long-term outcome, is a question that is not yet answered in the current literature.
Research question / problem definition
What is the long-term clinical outcome of patients who underwent an anterior cervical disctomy with PMMA?
Workplan
In this study we will analyze the long-term clinical outcome of patients who have had an anterior cervical discectomy from 2005-2010 in the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). We will assess the clinical outcome with questionnaires regarding current complaints and quality of life. We will retrospectively obtain pre-operative data on signs and symptoms. The student will participate in collecting and analyzing the data.
References
Schröder, J. et al. PMMA versus Titanium Cage after Anterior Cervical Discectomy – A Prospective Randomized Trial. Zentralbl Neurochir 2007; 68: 2-7.

Hamburger, C. et al. Ventral Discectomy With PMMA Interbody Fusion for Cervical Disc Disease. Spine 2001; volume 26. Number 3: 249-255.

Cabraja, M. et al. Polymethylmethacrylate-assisted ventral discectomy: Rate of pseudarthrosis and clinical outcome with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2001; 12: 140.
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