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Is C7-T1 cervical disc replacement a viable technique: A case series.
Sarah E Leonard1, Hyun Song1, Charles C Edwards1
1The Maryland Spine Center, Mercy Medical Center, 301 St Paul Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States of America.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|August 14, 2022
Summary
Cervical disc replacement (CDR) at the C7-T1 junction shows promising results, with high patient satisfaction and potential as an alternative to fusion. Further research is needed for long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is established for C3-C7 but lacks data at the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1).
- C7-T1 CDR is not FDA-approved, with limited existing literature.
- CDR offers motion preservation and avoids fusion risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of C7-T1 cervical disc replacement.
- To assess patient satisfaction and outcomes as an alternative to fusion.
Main Methods:
- A case series of seven consecutive patients undergoing C7-T1 CDR by a single surgeon.
- Average follow-up of 18.9 months.
- Inclusion of patient demographics, postoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, and qualitative satisfaction data.
Main Results:
- Average postoperative NDI score was 22.6%.
- Six out of seven patients reported high satisfaction.
- One complication of disc subsidence occurred after initial pain resolution.
Conclusions:
- This case series significantly expands the literature on C7-T1 CDR outcomes.
- The findings suggest C7-T1 CDR is effective in diverse real-world scenarios.
- Longer follow-up studies are required to confirm long-term success.
