Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion Versus Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy in Single Unilateral Cervical Disc Prolapse

Objective: The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of posterior cervical foraminotomy for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy caused by single level cervical disc lesion as compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion by cage.Methods: Prospective randomised comparative study of a clinical series of 30 patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy treated by either anterior cervical discectomy or fusion by cage (15 patients) or posterior cervical foraminotomy (15 patients) in Cairo University Hospitals.Results: Average age of presentation was 39 years. Males were more affected then females. Right sided radiculopathy was more common than left side. The most common operated level was C5-6. Excellent and good outcomes were obtained in 80% of the patients in ACDF group and 60% in posterior foraminotomy group.Conclusion: ACDF is superior to posterior cervical foraminotomy in treatment of single unilateral posterolateral cervical disc disease regarding operative time ,post operative hospital stay, complications, improvement of symptoms and short term follow-up.