Role of preoperative Hounsfield units in predicting subsidence after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in the United States: a retrospective analysis including osteopenia diagnosis.

ABSTRACT:

Study design

A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among osteopenia, bone density, and subsidence following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Overview of literature

Subsidence following ACDF procedures can lead to worse clinical outcomes. Although studies have linked osteopenia to cage subsidence, no consensus has been established on the relationship between bone density and subsidence.

Methods

Patients undergoing ACDF between 2016 and 2021 were included and assigned to the osteopenia cohort based on chart review and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan results. Bone density at each vertebral level of the cervical fusion was assessed by measuring Hounsfield units from preoperative computed tomograp

SUBMITTER: Ahmed W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12400099 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature