Cervical Arthroplasty with Prodisc-C System: Our Experience

Abstract

Introduction The Prodisc-C system (Synthes, USA), used in cervical arthroplasty, has been revealed as valid alternative to arthrodesis. Artificial disk replacement has the aim to preserve the physiological motion segment of the cervical spine and to decrease the kinematic strain on the adjacent levels. However, to date, with existing prostheses, the risk of adjacent segment disease and heterotopic ossification have not been proven to be definitively reduced by using artificial disk replacement. In this study, we present our experience over 5 years follow-up. The heterotopic ossification rate (HO), range of motion of the segments operated, as well as the strain of the adjacent levels, and the clinical outcome of patients following cervical arthroplasty are shown. Materials and Methods In our study, 35 consecutive patients (20 male, 15 female) were included. Patients presenting with clinical symptoms of degenerative disorders of the cervical spine-axial and radicular pain or radicular compromise and their corresponding signs on MRI-soft disk hernia or spondylosis, undergone surgical procedure. The following parameters were assessed before the procedure and 6 months, and each year postoperatively. Clinical condition (NDI and SF36), axial pain and radicular pain scores (VAS), and x-ray findings were assessed. Results Total 5 years following the surgical procedure, significant improvement in NDI, cervical, and radicular pain were assessed. HO was detected in 30% of the segments operated and a complete loss of the arthroplasty mobility in 5% of the cases. Conclusion The Prodisc-C system seems to favor a prompt improvement of the clinical and neurological symptoms. Although, in our experience, the system preserved the motion segment, further studies with longer follow-up are necessary to assess the long-term efficacy of this system and its advantage with respect to arthrodesis. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract No Disclosure of Interest None declared