Comparative Analysis of Functional and Radiological Outcome of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Standalone Cage vs Plate Construct for AO Type B and C Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: Prospective Cohort Study

and maintain cervical alignment.However, these constructs are bound with complications like dysphagia, adjacent-level degeneration, and hardware-related issues.In recent years, standalone cages have emerged as an alternative, offering the benefits of reduced operative time, less soft tissue disruption, and lower-profile implants 2 that may decrease postoperative morbidity. IntroductIonSubaxial cervical spine injuries, particularly AO type B and C fractures, are often associated with significant instability and neurological compromise.The primary objectives in managing these injuries include decompression of neural elements, realignment of the spine, restoration of stability, and promotion of long-term fusion.Subaxial cervical spine injuries constitute 60-80% injuries, of which 50-60% injuries are associated with neurological insult.Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using plate construct with tricortical iliac crest graft or cage is routinely used for traumatic cervical injuries. 1Extending from C3 to C7, the subaxial cervical spine includes both osseous and ligamentous components.Trauma to this region can affect the bone, soft tissues, or both simultaneously.Among patients sustaining blunt force trauma, cervical spine injuries occur in about 3%, with the subaxial segment being the most frequently involved.Approximately, half of these injuries are located between C5 and C7.ACDF remains one of the most commonly employed surgical approaches for such injuries due to its effectiveness in directly addressing anterior compression and allowing for spinal stabilization.Historically, anterior cervical plating systems have been widely used in ACDF to enhance biomechanical stability, facilitate fusion,