Article
Cervical disc replacement with ProDisc® C: first experiences and clinical results
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Published: | June 13, 2005 |
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Outline
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Purpose
Presently, the most common operative treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease is anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). Studies have reported that ACDF is associated with accelerated adjacent disc degeneration. Compared to fusion implantation of an artificial disc can decrease movement of the adjacent segment.
Cervical disc replacement with PRODISC-C maintains motion of the involved segment. The goal is to treat degenerative disc disease by reducing pain and neurological symptoms without fusion.
Methods
PRODISC-C was implanted in 40 patients with symptomatic cervical disc disease between C3-C7 ( 24 mono-,13 bi- and 3 tri-segmental implantations). A total of 59 artificial discs were implanted in a microsurgical technique. In two cases the procedure had to be changed to standard fusions because of intraoperative implant- related complications. Patients were evaluated by means of a standardized clinical and radiographic assessment. Clinical investigation focussed on VAS and Neck Disability Index. Radiographic examinations were performed 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
Findings
Clinical results revealed significant improvement of pain and neurological symptoms. Radiographic examinations demonstrated maintained segmental motion, in one case ossification was observed six months postoperatively, in two cases we found subsidence of ProDisc® C.
Conclusions
ProDisc® C offers a new method for treatment of symptomatic cervical disc disease. First clinical results are satisfactory. Disadvantages are associated with the implantation technique which bear potential risks for spinal cord injuries. Development of safer implantation devices is necessary.
Longterm evaluations are required to show, if cervical artificial disc replacement is superior to ACDF.