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Cervical spine alignment in disc arthroplasty: should we change our perspective?
Alberto Di Martino1, Rocco Papalia1, Erika Albo1
1Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Cervical disc replacement (TDR) shows similar outcomes to fusion but may lead to kyphotic alignment. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the long-term effects of TDR on cervical spine alignment and clinical results.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cervical spine alignment is crucial for adjacent disc health.
- The impact of cervical disc replacement (TDR) on spinal alignment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare anterior cervical fusion and TDR regarding cervical alignment preservation.
- To evaluate complications associated with TDR versus fusion.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Evaluation of the methodological quality of included studies.
Main Results:
- TDR demonstrated a tendency towards postoperative kyphotic alignment in most studies.
- The overall complication rate for TDR was 12.5%, including issues like heterotopic ossification and mechanical instability.
Conclusions:
- Cervical disc arthroplasty offers comparable mid-term outcomes to fusion but lacks proven superiority.
- Further long-term studies are necessary to determine the clinical impact of TDR-induced loss of lordosis.
