Trial Outcomes & Findings for Slotted Hole Versus Fixed Hole C-Tek (NCT NCT00585923)

Recruitment was done through the population of Dr. Nunley's practice. Once Dr. Nunley decided that the patient was a candidate for cervical fusion, he discussed the study with the patient. After subject signed the informed consent subject was randomized to the Slotted Hole or the Fixed Hole C Tek™ Anterior Cervical Plate.

Patients were included in this study if the answer to all of the inclusion criteria was yes and the answer to all of the exclusion questions was no.

Slotted Hole Versus Fixed Hole C-Tek

The fusion criteria will include radiographic evidence of no motion at the affected levels on flexion/extension and evidence of bony bridging and no lucent lines on AP/lateral views. Fusion Grading "fused" "probably fused" "pseudarthrosis" This determination was made by Dr. Nunley and there was never any more specific details given on how the determination was made between fused and probably fused.

Pain is calculated by patient making an X on a visual analog scale (VAS) line at each visit. Mark on x is measured via a mm ruler. Number of Participants with the Level of Pain at Rest Improved, Maintained or Worsened from Baseline to "last follow-up visit". This is calculated by subtracting the pain at the last follow-up from the pain at the baseline visit. Best Case is 0 and worst case is 100.

Pain is calculated by patient making an X on a visual analog scale (VAS) line at each visit. Mark on x is measured via a mm ruler. Number of Participants with the Level of Pain with Activity Improved, Maintained or Worsened from Baseline to "last follow-up visit". This is calculated by subtracting the pain at the last follow-up from the pain at the baseline visit. Scores range from 0 to 100 with 0 being the best score.

Patients were categorized as maintained, improved or decreased Neurological Status. This was assessed pre-operatively and at each follow-up visit but reported on last follow-up. Motor Function was measured at each cervical level Reflex Function (0: Not elicitable; 1: Elicited with reinforcement; 2: Normal; 3:Brisk; 4:Clonus, unsustained; 5: Clonus, sustained) was measured for Bicep, Brachioradialis, and Triceps Sensory Function (0: Sensation is absent; 1: Sensating is diminished; 2: Sensation is normal; 3: Sensation is present, but pathological, was measured at each cervical dermatome

Number of patients who have an improved, maintained or decreased level of function based on the results of their NDI (Neck Disabillity Index) from surgery to last follow-up visit. The NDI scale ranges from 0-100. If a subject has a score of 0, it means that they have no limitations and no pain. This is calculated by subtracting the NDI at the last follow-up from the NDI at the baseline visit.