Results of Total Cervical Disc Replacement with a Minimum Follow-up of 10 Years

• Published in: Revista brasileira de ortopedia 2020-04, Vol.55 (2), p.185-190
• Main Authors: Lobo, João Pedro Ferraz Montenegro, Linhares, Daniela Vilas Boas Rosa, Lopes, José Miguel Monteiro, Rodrigues, Pedro Cacho, Pinto, Rui Peixoto, Neves, Nuno Silva Morais
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: arthroplasty; Artigo Original; cervical vertebrae; ORTHOPEDICS; total disc replacement
• ISSN: 0102-3616; 1982-4378; 1982-4378
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3400526

In the present study, we present the results with at least 10 years of follow-up of the cervical disc prosthesis implanted in a single level.  Retrospective study of patients undergoing single-level total cervical disc replacement (TCDR). Clinical results included the neck disability index (NDI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) in the preoperative period, one year postoperatively, and a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. The radiographic parameters included cervical mobility, segmental lordosis, C2-C7 angle, heterotopic ossification (HO), facet and joint degeneration (FJD) and adjacent segment disease (ASD).  We identified 22 patients, 16 women and 6 men with mean age of 39.7 years old (26-51 years old), of which fifteen completed a minimum follow-up of 10 years. There was a statistically significant improvement of NDI and VAS (   10 years). At the end of 10 years, HO was observed in 59% of the cases. The mobility of the implant was preserved in 80% of the patients. Radiological evidence of ASD was recorded in 6 patients (40%). There was no correlation between the clinical parameters evaluated and the presence of ASD or the different classes of HO.  Clinical improvement in all evaluated parameters, which persists over time. Most implants maintained mobility, as has already been demonstrated in other studies with shorter follow-ups. In a significant percentage of cases, ASD was observed, questioning the concept of motion preserving technology. However, we did not have any surgical intervention for this reason, since there was no correlation with worse clinical results.