Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: Part 2: Clinical Experience With the Cervical Artificial Disc

Abstract

This article is the second of 2 parts. Cervical total disc replacement represents a new frontier in spine surgery. This article reviews current literature with regard to the indications, clinical and radiologic results, adverse outcomes, and complications of cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR). Early clinical and radiologic studies of these prostheses have shown promising results. However, the role of these new devices is still developing. Ongoing multicenter prospective randomized controlled trials will aid in our understanding of the indications for C-ADR. Long-term clinical trials will be needed to determine whether cervical arthroplasty fulfills the promise of reduced adjacent segment degeneration and preservation of motion and biomechanical properties of the cervical spine. Surgeon preference among the various C-ADR designs will ultimately be based on clinical outcomes, unique indications, ease of implantation, maintenance of motion, and incidence of complications