Anterior cervical discectomy without fusion. Microsurgical technique.

Between March 1977 and November 1980 25 patients underwent anterior cervical discectomy (11 patients at 2 levels at one time) under the operating microscope for treatment of cervical disc herniation. The selection of the patients and the right level of discectomy are discussed. The results of discectomy without fusion are excellent. Only in cases of severe spondylosis or posttraumatic instability we still perform a fusion after discectomy.