Abstract Background: The ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) enables precise, controlled bone cutting during anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), minimizing soft tissue damage and enhancing surgical safety. While UBS does not directly influence fusion, it contributes to improved surgical efficiency and bone preservation. This study evaluates radiological and functional outcomes, including complication profiles, in patients undergoing ACCF using UBS for mediolateral bone cutting. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 98 patients who underwent ACCF using UBS between March 2015 and March 2023. Adults aged 18–80 years with cervical spondylotic myelopathy or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were included. Exclusion criteria were prior cervical spine surgery, trauma, tumors, or infection. Radiographic evaluation of fusion and subsidence was performed at 6 months, 12 months, and at final follow-up (12–24 months). Fusion was defined by the absence of motion and bridging bone on X-ray or computed tomography. Subsidence was defined as a reduction >2 mm in vertebral body height. Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. Results: Fusion was achieved in 96% of patients. Subsidence occurred in 15%, more commonly in multilevel corpectomies (22%) and in patients ≥60 years (18%) compared to younger individuals (10%, P < 0.05). The mean mJOA score significantly improved to 15.3 ± 1.8 (range: 12–18, P < 0.001), indicating substantial neurological recovery. Conclusion: UBS-assisted ACCF provides excellent fusion rates, improved neurological outcomes, and reduced complications, supporting its routine use in cervical spine surgery.
Dave et al. (Fri,) studied this question.