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Cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR): global perspectives on use and trends
John Rhee1, Ellen M Van Alstyne, Andrea C Skelly
1Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory Spine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Evidence-Based Spine-Care Journal
|December 14, 2012
Summary
Cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) use increased significantly after FDA approval in 2007. Most surgeons expect continued growth, but potential differences in failure rates warrant further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) offers an alternative to fusion for specific spinal conditions.
- Understanding global adoption and trends is crucial for evaluating C-ADR's role in spine care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess global utilization and trends of C-ADR before and after FDA approval in 2007.
- To summarize available data on C-ADR utilization and regulatory approval worldwide.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 6195 AOSpine International members.
- Data on utilization and approval were also gathered from public databases (PubMed, Google, FDA, manufacturers' websites).
Main Results:
- Limited global data exists outside the US and Europe; no prior utilization studies were found.
- Of 1479 respondents, 50% had C-ADR training. Post-January 2008, 92% of C-ADR procedures were performed compared to 49% before.
- Most C-ADR was single-level (51.3%), with 27% of users reporting revisions. Respondents anticipate increased future use.
Conclusions:
- C-ADR adoption surged post-January 2008, with expectations of continued growth.
- Surgeons believe C-ADR is safe and effective, primarily for radiculopathy due to soft-disc pathology.
- Failure rates may differ between sponsored trials and real-world C-ADR use.
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