The role of artificial disc replacement in restoring lumbar segment motion and intervertebral height

Abstract

To investigate the role of artificial disc replacement (ADR) in restoring lumbar segment motion and intervertebral height (IH). Seventy-five patients with intervertebral disc diseases underwent artificial disc replacement and were divided into 3 groups to be followed up for 2 years (group A, n = 32), 3 years (group B, n = 27), and 5 years (group C, n = 19) respectively. Before the operation and during the follow-up the range of motion (ROM) of the involved lumbar segments and IH were assessed. The mean ROM and IH of the group A were 15 degrees and 14.1 mm respectively during the follow-up 2 years after operation. The mean ROM and IH of the group B were 14.2 degrees and 13.8 mm respectively during the follow-up 2 years after the operation and 13.7 degrees and 13.4 mm respectively during the follow-up 3 years after operation. The mean ROM and IH of the group C were 9.1 degrees and 11.5 mm respectively during the follow-up 2 years after the operation and 8.8 degrees and 11.0 mm respectively during the follow-up 3 years after operation, and 8.0 degrees and 10.3 mm respectively during the follow-up 5 years after operation. No significant differences in ROM and IH were found among different groups at any time point (all P > 0.05). Malposition was found in immediately after operation in 11 patients, all of the group C. During the follow-up, 3 cases of prostheses subsidence and 3 cases of annular ossification were found. No severe complications appeared. ADR is effective in restoring the ROM and IH of vertebrae suffering from intervertebral disc diseases.