Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF): Current Grafting Options
As a discipline, spine surgery has made tremendous technological advances in the past few decades. But what are the benefits of these technological advances to the patient? This online activity will review these advances in the form of osteobiologics used for cervical treatment. The rationale, results, and complications of each option are discussed. The course will be presented in a manner amenable to completion in one hour. Only AANS members are eligible for CME credit.
Upon completion of this CME activity, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate treatment options for cervical arthrodesis
- Analyze the risk/benefit of allografts
- Discuss the risks/benefits of bone graft substitutes in the cervical spine
Neill M. Wright, M.D.
Herbert Lourie, Professor in Neurological Surgery
Associate Professor in Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri
The AANS controls the content and production of this CME activity and attempts to ensure the presentation of balanced, objective information. In accordance with the Standards for Commercial Support established by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), speakers, paper presenters/authors and staff (and the significant others of those mentioned) are asked to disclose any relationship they or their co-authors have with commercial interests which may be related to the content of their lecture. The ACCME defines “relevant financial relationships” as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 12 months that create a conflict of interest. Relationship refers to receipt of royalties, consultantship, funding by research grant, receiving honoraria for educational services elsewhere, or any other relationship to a commercial interest that provides sufficient reason for disclosure.
It is the policy of the AANS that all individuals in a position to affect the content of a CME activity disclose relationships that they or their spouse/partner have with commercial entities. Further, should any such relationship be determined to be in possible conflict of interest as it relates to the individual's proposed role in the CME activity, such conflicts of interest will be resolved prior to confirmation of the individual's participation. All potential conflicts of interest have been reviewed by an effective peer review committee to ensure the content is valid and aligned with the interest of the activity audience.
| Faculty Name | Disclosure | Type of Relationship |
| Neill M. Wright, MD | Nuvasive | Consultant |
| Nuvasive | Other Financial or Material Support | |
| Orthovita | Honorarium | |
| Orthovita | Consultant | |
| Vertebral Technologies, Inc. | Consultant | |
| Online Content Review Committee | Disclosure | Type of Relationship |
| Jack I. Jallo, MD, PhD | Covidien | Consultant/Honorarium |
| Nuvasive | Other Financial or Material Support | |
| Synthes | Grants/Research Support | |
| Michael G. Kaiser, MD, FACS | Globus Medical Inc. | Honorarium |
| Medtronic | Grants/Research | |
| Thomas J. Leipzig, MD | Lanx, Inc. | Stock Shareholder (direct purchase) |
| Clarence B. Watridge, MD, FACS | Medtronic | Grants/Research Support |
| NIH COSS Study | Grants/Research Support | |
| NINDS CREST Trial | Grants/Research Support | |
| Spinal Motion | Grants/Research Support |
The opinions expressed in this educational activity are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the grant provider or the AANS. This educational activity does not endorse one particular type of instrumentation, nor is it intended to dictate an exclusive course of management. It presents one of numerous recognized methods of clinical practice for consideration by physicians for incorporation into their practices. Variations of practice taking into account the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to the institution or type of practice may be appropriate. Disclosure about patient confidentiality, standards of care, or course of management does not imply endorsement or disapproval of products.
Please Note: It is recognized that the use of non-FDA approved devices is described in some of the published material, but these techniques are often the standard of care and may be of value to the patients we serve.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The AANS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The AANS designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Term of approval is for three years, until January 6, 2013, from beginning distribution date of January 6, 2010, with option of renewal upon review of the activity.
After completing the activity, AANS members will be able to take a CME test by logging onto MyAANS.org. Upon successful completion of the test, the CME will automatically be reflected in your record and you can print a certificate.
Time to complete this activity varies by learner; Activity equaled to 1.0 Category 1 credit of CME. Media utilized may include online print, audio and video formats. Recommended browser is Firefox 3.5 or IE 8.0 with Flash 10 installed.
Questions pertaining to this online activity may be directed to the Department of Education and Meetings, AANS, 5550 Meadowbrook Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, or phone: 1.888.566.2267 or email epm@aans.org.
This CME activity is supported by an educational grant from OrthoVita, Inc.
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