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Updated: May 12, 2026
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Direct Mouse Trauma/Burn Model of Heterotopic Ossification
Published on: August 6, 2015
Heterotopic ossification in cervical disc arthroplasty: Is it clinically relevant?
Giuseppe M Barbagallo1, Leonardo A Corbino, Giuseppe Olindo
1Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.
Evidence-Based Spine-Care Journal
|April 2, 2013
Summary
Heterotopic ossification (HO) after cervical disc arthroplasty occurs in 42.2% of cases but does not impact functional outcomes. Surgeons should proceed with cervical disc replacement despite the risk of HO.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Cervical disc arthroplasty is a common procedure for radiculopathy and myelopathy.
- Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a potential complication following spinal surgery.
- The clinical significance of HO after cervical disc replacement requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical relevance of heterotopic ossification (HO) after cervical disc arthroplasty.
- To assess the impact of HO on functional outcomes and range of motion at a mean 3-year follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 30 patients who underwent anterior cervical disc replacement (ADR).
- HO was graded using the McAfee system; range of motion was measured via X-ray.
- Functional outcomes were assessed using Short-form 36 and Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Main Results:
- The incidence of HO was 42.2% (19 levels) among 45 implanted prostheses.
- Patients with HO maintained segmental range of motion (≥3° in 93.8%).
- No significant difference in functional scores was observed between patients with and without HO.
Conclusions:
- Functional improvement is maintained after cervical disc arthroplasty, even with the presence of HO.
- The risk of HO should not deter surgeons from performing cervical disc arthroplasty.
- Further research may explore risk factors and management strategies for HO.
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