Objective: To compare the fusion rate between autogenous tricortical iliac crest bone graft and hydroxyapatite block graft in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. Methodology: Retrospective review of cases that underwent ACDF surgery between 2005 and 2008. They were divided into two groups based on the graft material used. Assessment of fusion at 6 months post-surgery was carried out based on the static lateral cervical radiograph. Results: 32 cases were reviewed; 16 in each arm. There were 29 discectomies performed in the hydroxyapatite group as compared to 22 in the iliac crest group. 18 levels in the hydrxyapatite group showed radiological fusion while in the iliac crest group there were 21 levels fused. Seven patients had donor site pain. Conclusion: The fusion rate for autogenous tricortical iliac crest bone graft in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery was 95%, a more superior fusion rate than that of hydroxyapatite block graft which was 62.1%.
Objectives: To study the prevalence and the risk factors for surgical site infection in patients who underwent posterior instrumented surgery for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methodology: Retrospective review of cases operated between year 2006 and 2007. The final end point is the detection of surgical site infection within one year. Results: A total of 38 cases were reviewed. Surgical site infection occurred in 5 cases. Only one had deep infection. The onset of infection occurred within one month in all cases. The risk factors studied were smoking, timing of surgery, duration of surgery, neurological deficit, associated injuries and high dose methylprednisolone administration. None of them were statistically significant as risk factors for surgical site infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of surgical site infection in patients who underwent posterior instrumented surgery for thoracolumbar burst fractures was 13%.