Effect of Using High-Speed Drill in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of using 2 different surgical techniques (curette or high-speed drill) in anterior cervical discectomy surgery on the healing of cases.
Material and Methods: Fifty-four operated cervical disc hernia cases were retrospectively examined in 2 groups. Discectomy and osteophytectomy were carried out in Group A by using a high-speed drill, while a curette was used for group B. Preoperative and postoperative computerized tomography and direct radiography were performed. Cervical disc height, cervical and segmental lordotic angles were calculated. The visual analogue scale and Odom's criteria were used in the assessment of pain and clinical healing. The fusion ratio of both groups was compared. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare data from the groups.
Results: Satisfactory results were obtained in the groups where high-speed drill and curette were used. Independently from the surgical technique, pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups after surgery. No radiologically significant differences were identified between the two groups within the postoperative period.
Conclusion: Either high-speed drill or curette can be chosen for the osteophytectomy and discectomy stages of anterior cervical discectomy operations.