Objective: To determine the frequency of wound infection after anterior cervical discectomy without bone graf-ting in patients with single level degenerative cervical disc herniation diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging.Material and Methods: This observational study was conducted at the department of Neurosurgery, Post-graduate medical institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from April 2009 March 2010. Sixty five (65) con-secutive patients who undergone single level anterior cervical discectomy without bone grafting for degenerative cervical disc herniation were included in the study irrespective of their age and gender. The patients were obser-ved for post-operative wound infection including superficial wound infection and discitis recorded.Results: Out of 65 cases, 64.4% were males and 35.4% females. Majority 27.7% cases were in the age range of 41 – 50 years, 24.6% in the age group of 31 – 40 years and 18.5% in the age range of 21 – 30 years. We also had patients in other age groups. Majority of women, 30.8% of the total, were house wives, followed by (27.7%) those having sedentary life style as teachers, students and bankers. Mean duration of the symptoms was 5.53 months and mean duration of hospital stay was 6.95 days. Postoperative superficial wound infection was in 3.1% cases and discitis in 1.5% patients.Conclusions: Age group of 41 – 50 years affected more than other age groups. Cervical disc herniation was common in men. Postoperative superficial wound infection was observed in 3.1% patients and discitis in 1.5% cases. Age group of 41 – 50 years affected more than other age groups. Cervical disc herniation was common in men. Postoperative superficial wound infection was observed in 3.1% patients and discitis in 1.5% cases. From the results of this study it is concluded that Cervical disc herniation is more common in male and the common age group affected is 41 – 50 years. Postoperative superficial wound infection was noted in 3.1% cases and Post-operative discitis was observed in 1.5% cases. Postoperative wound infection was common in males than females and was evident within 6 weeks of surgery
