Anterior Cervical Spinal Implants

There has been a significant evolution in spinal implants in the last few decades. The surgical trend changed from non-implant decompression to anterior cervical instrumented stabilization along with decompression or discectomy. Various anterior cervical plates, cages, expandable cages, zero profile anterior cervical cage with screws, and cervical artificial disc for cervical disc replacement have undergone significant modification with time in regard to implant design and material as well to ease the surgery and modify the outcome. Anterior cervical non-locking plates were gradually replaced by locking anterior cervical plates due to screw back-out problems. Later cervical zero profile cage with screw devices came with the advantage of less adjacent soft tissue irritation. Similarly there is a continuous change in all implant designs. Everyday new implants are available that claim better outcomes. In this chapter we have touched on the old implants along with the changes and newer implants which stood the test of time as well as the modifications to their design. Further research may find a better alternative and naturally with more modification and advancement newer innovative implants may replace the present ones in the future.