Long-term results with Kiel bone grafts using the Cloward procedure

The results obtained using calf bone in surgical treatment of myeloradiculopathy from spondylarthrosis and cervical disk protrusion operated on with the Cloward procedure are reported. Preparation of the dowel is carried out with a simple, inexpensive technique. The case material included 228 heterogenous bone implants and the clinical results are similar to those obtained with 58 autogenous bone grafts. On the basis of a follow-up covering more than 18 years for autogenous implants and 14 years for heterogenous grafts, we can confidently recommend the use of heterogenous bone in this particular surgical approach, so as to avoid the complications and post-operative drawbacks connected with autogenous bone implants.