Three dimensional-printed artificial disc replacement for single-level cervical spondylosis: a cohort study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomaterials
• Spine Surgery

Background:

• Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine.
• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common surgical treatment.
• Limitations of ACDF include potential adjacent segment disease and reduced range of motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy of 3D-printed artificial discs with ACDF for treating single-level cervical spondylosis.
• To evaluate patient outcomes, including clinical symptoms and radiological effects.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 73 patients with single-level cervical spondylosis.
• Patients were divided into ACDF (38) and 3D-printed artificial disc (CADR) (35) groups.
• Clinical outcomes assessed using VAS, JOA, and NDI scores. Radiological outcomes assessed using ROM tests.

Main Results:

• Both ACDF and CADR groups showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms with similar efficacy.
• The CADR group demonstrated a significantly better postoperative range of motion (ROM) compared to the ACDF group (P=0.003).
• The CADR group had a lower incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASD) (P=0.032) and less intraoperative blood loss.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed artificial discs are clinically effective for single-level cervical spondylosis.
• This approach offers advantages over ACDF, including better maintenance of cervical ROM and a lower risk of ASD.
• 3D-printed discs represent a promising alternative for cervical spondylosis treatment.