Twenty-four patients had a combined anterior cervical decompression and
posterior stabilization with circumferential spinal arthrodesis for
treatment of either a tumor or an injury. The indication for operation was
a fixed kyphosis and an incomplete neurological deficit or cervical
instability. All but two patients had substantial improvement, having
regained strength or had a reduction in the deformity, or both. The two
exceptional patients, both of whom were quadriparetic, had no change. The
operation is formidable and requires an average of 6.9 hours of general
anesthesia; however, its use is justified in patients who have the
appropriate indications.