The Efficacy of Second-Generation Cervical Spine Arthroplasty: A 5-Year Perspective

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the surgical outcomes of second-generation cervical arthroplasty in patients with symptomatic cervical disc degeneration at approximately 5 years of follow-up.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent elective cervical spine arthroplasty at our institution with the use of a second-generation cervical prosthesis. The inclusion criteria were: (1) patients aged 25 to 50 years, (2) patients undergoing primary cervical surgery, (3) a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and radiological data were collected and analyzed for patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: Thirty-seven patients were identified. The mean final follow-up was 75.1 months (range, 62.5–92.2 months). Statistically significant improvement was observed at the end of follow-up in the cervical disability index, neck pain, and radicular pain (p<0.001). In total, 89.1% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied. During follow-up, 4 patients required reintervention, including 2 for adjacent segment syndrome, 1 for possible implant failure, and 1 for a prevertebral collection. The mean mobility of the operated segment at 5 years was 8.1 (standard deviation, 5.91). Additionally, radiologically, 1 patient exhibited heterotopic ossification, and 5 patients had asymptomatic adjacent segment syndrome.Conclusion: Promising outcomes are associated with second-generation cervical arthroplasty in the management of symptomatic cervical disc degeneration. The improvement in clinical scores, preservation of segmental mobility, and low incidence of complications such as heterotopic ossification and reintervention underscore the potential benefits of second-generation cervical arthroplasty.