Objective:

To compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using non-cavity versus central-cavity bioactive glass-ceramic (BGS-7) spacers.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• No prior studies have compared outcomes of non-cavity and central-cavity BGS-7 spacers in ACDF.
• The central-cavity design was introduced without evidence of superiority over the non-cavity design.
• The central cavity may reduce the load-bearing area, potentially increasing the risk of structural failure.

Interpretation:

The study evaluates whether the design modification of BGS-7 spacers impacts fusion rates, mechanical stability, and clinical recovery.

Limitations:

• The retrospective design may introduce biases.
• The single-center study limits generalizability.
• There was no randomization between spacer designs.

Conclusion:

The study aims to clarify the necessity of a central cavity in BGS-7 spacers for optimal clinical outcomes in ACDF.

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