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Delayed Infection After Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Vincent P Federico1, Athan G Zavras, Rajko S Vucicevic

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

Clinical Spine Surgery
|April 19, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Delayed infection after cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is rare. This case report details a late M6 device infection, highlighting successful treatment through implant removal, fusion, and antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Spine surgery
  • Infectious disease
  • Biomaterials

Background:

  • Delayed infection following cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is a rare complication.
  • Previous reports of M6 device infection have primarily occurred outside the United States.
  • The diagnostic value of intraoperative cultures in these cases is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of delayed infection after cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) using the M6 device.
  • To discuss the etiology and management of late-onset device infections.
  • To evaluate the utility of intraoperative cultures in diagnosing delayed infections.

Main Methods:

  • Case report and comprehensive literature review.
  • Analysis of a patient presenting with delayed infection 6 years post-CDA.
  • Review of intraoperative findings, cultures, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A case of delayed M6 device infection 6 years after CDA is presented.
  • Intraoperative cultures identified Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes.
  • Successful treatment involved M6 device removal, conversion to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed infection after CDA is an uncommon but significant complication.
  • Implant removal, fusion, and extended antibiotic treatment represent a viable management strategy.
  • The role of intraoperative cultures in identifying delayed infections warrants further investigation.

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