Use of a polymethylmethacrylate cervical cage in the treatment of single-level cervical disc disease

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyi-Feng Chen ◽  
Chieh-Tsai Wu ◽  
Sai-Cheung Lee ◽  
Shih-Tseng Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cancellous Bone ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Cervical Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has been used as a spacer in the treatment of patients with cervical disc disease with good long-term outcomes, but solid bone fusion has not been demonstrated in all cases. To achieve cervical interbody fusion, the authors designed a modified PMMA cervical cage that they filled with spongy bone for the treatment of single-level cervical disc herniation. Methods. Sixty-three patients underwent anterior cervical microdiscectomy and implantation of a PMMA cervical cage filled with autograft cancellous bone and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The fusion rates were 90.5 and 100% at the 6- and 12-month follow-up examinations, respectively. The mean intervertebral disc height gain was 3.4 ± 1.9 mm when preoperative and 24-month postoperative values were compared. Neck pain, measured using the Huskissan visual analog scale (0 mm, no pain; 100 mm, worst possible pain), decreased from 71 ± 13 mm at preoperative baseline to 28 ± 17 at 6, 23 ± 19 at 12, and 31 ± 19 mm at 24 months. Based on the same scale, radicular pain decreased from 83 ± 15 mm at preoperative baseline to 24 ± 11 at 6, 27 ± 13 at 12, and 22 ± 11 mm at 24 months. The self-rated clinical outcome was excellent in 45 (71.4%) and good in 18 (28.6%) of the 63 patients. Conclusions. The autograft cancellous bone—filled PMMA cage is safe and effective for cervical interbody fusion in the treatment of single-level cervical disc herniation and monoradiculopathy.

Cervical arthroplasty after previous surgery: results of treating 24 discs in 15 patients

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 335-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lali H. S. Sekhon ◽  
William Sears ◽  
Neil Duggal
Keyword(s):  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anterior Interbody Fusion ◽  
Posterior Foraminotomy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The potential role of cervical arthroplasty in patients who have undergone previous cervical surgery is unknown. The authors performed a prospective study involving nonrandomized clinical and radiological assessment in patients who had undergone either previous posterior cervical foraminotomy or anterior interbody fusion and who suffered new or persistent arm/neck symptoms related to neural compression. Methods. During a 30-month period, 15 patients who had previously undergone cervical spinal surgery underwent cervical arthroplasty that involved placement of the Bryan disc for neck or arm symptoms related to cervical disc disease. A total of 24 devices were implanted. Six of the 15 patients had undergone a previous posterior foraminotomy, and in nine cases an anterior interbody fusion had been perfomed at some stage prior to surgery. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed preoperatively and after surgery to assess outcomes. A total of 24 arthroplasties were performed encompassing between one and three levels. There were no major perioperative complications or immediate device-related failures. Two patients were lost to follow up. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 43 months (mean 24.2 ± 10.5 months). Good results were obtained in all cases as reflected by an increase in the visual analog scale score of 6.4 in terms of neck/arm pain (p < 0.05). There was no difference in Oswestry Disability Index scores for neck pain (p > 0.05) and no patient required surgery at the same level. In one patient hypermobility developed with internal subluxation of the device, which suggested a compromise adjacent to a two-level fusion at 21 months. The segment was hypermobile preoperatively. The patient has experienced recurrent neck pain but otherwise remains clinically well and has not required revision surgery to date. Conclusions. Insertion of the Bryan artificial cervical disc in patients who have previously undergone cervical fusion or posterior foraminotomy, in general, appears to be safe. It provided encouraging early clinical results, although patients with preoperative hypermobility should be treated with caution. Issues such as accelerated device-related wear and the use of arthroplasty after aggressive facetectomy resection will need further study; however, in carefully selected patients who have undergone previous surgery cervical arthroplasty may provide an additional tool in the management of cervical disc disease.

The future in the care of the cervical spine: interbody fusion and arthroplasty

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen V. Mummaneni ◽  
Regis W. Haid
Keyword(s):  
Adjacent Segment Degeneration ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Adjacent Segment ◽  
Cervical Fusion ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ In the past 50 years tremendous advances have been made in the treatment of cervical disc disease with cervical fusion. Fusion rates have surpassed 95% after application of anterior cervical implants. Adjacent-segment degeneration, however, has plagued the long-term clinical success of cervical fusion. Cervical arthroplasty has been introduced to maintain cervical motion and potentially avoid or minimize adjacent-segment degeneration. If cervical arthroplasty is successful, the long-term results of surgery for cervical disc disease may improve; however, there are associated drawbacks that must be overcome. Implant wear, fatigue, and failure have been reported in cases of large-joint arthroplasty, and research is underway to limit these problems in cervical arthroplasty. In this article the authors trace the evolution of cervical fusion and the new technique of cervical arthroplasty. The nomenclature of cervical arthroplasty will also be introduced.

Influence of an artificial cervical joint compared with fusion on adjacent-level motion in the treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crispin Wigfield ◽  
Steven Gill ◽  
Richard Nelson ◽  
Ilana Langdon ◽  
Newton Metcalf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Autologous Bone Graft ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Adjacent Level ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors report the preservation of motion at surgically treated and adjacent spinal segments after placing an artificial cervical joint (ACJ) and they describe the influence of interbody fusion on changes in angulation occurring in the sagittal plane at adjacent levels in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Methods. The authors conducted a prospective nonrandomized study of patients in whom an ACJ was placed or autologous bone graft interbody fusion was performed. Angular measurements at levels adjacent to that surgically treated were calculated using plain flexion—extension radiographs obtained at 6-month intervals. Analyses of qualitative data, such as increase or decrease in adjacent-level motion, and the degree of disc degeneration were performed. Quantitative data were also analyzed. In the fusion group a significant increase in adjacent-level movement was demonstrated at the 12-month follow-up visit compared with the group of patients in whom ACJs were placed (p < 0.001). The increase in movement occurred predominantly at intervertebral discs that were preoperatively regarded as normal (p < 0.02). An overall reduction in adjacent-level movement was observed in patients who underwent joint replacement, although this was compensated for by the movement provided by the ACJ itself. Conclusions. Fusion results in increased motion at adjacent levels. The increase in adjacent-level motion derives from those discs that appear radiologically normal prior to surgery. It remains unknown whether ACJs have a protective influence on adjacent intervertebral discs.

Implantation of an empty carbon fiber composite frame cage after single-level anterior cervical discectomy in the treatment of cervical disc herniation: preliminary results

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Payer ◽  
Daniel May ◽  
Alain Reverdin ◽  
Enrico Tessitore
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Fiber Composite ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Carbon Fiber Composite ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors sought to evaluate retrospectively the radiological and clinical outcome of anterior cervical discectomy followed by implantation of an empty carbon fiber composite frame cage (CFCF) in the treatment of patients with cervical disc herniation and monoradiculopathy. Methods. Twenty-five consecutive patients (12 men, 13 women, mean age 45 years) with monoradiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation were treated by anterior cervical discectomy followed by implantation of an empty CFCF cage. On lateral flexion—extension radiographs segmental stability at a mean follow up of 14 months (range 5–31 months) was demonstrated in all 25 patients, and bone fusion was documented in 24 of 25 patients. The mean anterior intervertebral body height was 3.4 mm preoperatively and 3.8 mm at follow up in 20 patients. In these patients the mean segmental angle (angle between lower endplate of lower and upper vertebra) was 0.9° preoperatively and 3.1° at follow up. In the remaining five patients preoperative images were not retrievable. Self-scored neck pain based on a visual analog scale (1, minimum; 10, maximum) changed from a preoperative average of 5.6 to an average of 2 at follow up; radicular pain was reduced from 7.7 to 2.1 postoperatively. Analysis of the SF12 questionnaires showed a significant improvement in both the physical capacity score (preoperative mean 32.4 points; follow up 46 points) and the mental capacity score (preoperative mean 45.8 points; follow up 57.5 points). Conclusions. Implantation of an empty CFCF cage in the treatment of cervical disc herniation and monoradiculopathy avoids donor site morbidity associated with autologous bone grafting as well as the use of any supplementary material inside the cage. Restoration or maintenance of intervertebral height and thus segmental lordosis and a very high rate of segmental stability and fusion are achieved using this technique.

Anterior cervical disc herniation

1988 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry L. Bernardo ◽  
Robert L. Grubb ◽  
William S. Coxe ◽  
Charles L. Roper
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Clinical Entity ◽  
Cervical Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Osteophytes ◽  
Esophageal Lesion ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A 39-year-old man with an extrinsic esophageal lesion was found to have an anterior herniation of a soft degenerated cervical disc. Only two cases of symptomatic anterior cervical disc herniation have been reported previously. Dysphagia produced by anterior cervical osteophytes is more common and is a recognized clinical entity. Asymptomatic anterior cervical disc herniation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of anterior cervical osteophytes.

scholarly journals Comparative evaluation of microdiscectomy only, autograft fusion, polymethylmethacrylate interposition, and threaded titanium cage fusion for treatment of single-level cervical disc disease: a prospective randomized study in 125 patients

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian B. Bärlocher ◽  
Alain Barth ◽  
Joachim K. Krauss ◽  
Ralph Binggeli ◽  
Rolf W. Seiler
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Prospective Randomized Study ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Interbody Cage ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Titanium Cage ◽  
Single Level

Object The need for interbody fusion or stabilization after anterior cervical microdiscectomy is still debated. The objectives of this prospective randomized study were 1) to examine whether combined interbody fusion and stabilization is more beneficial than microdiscectomy only (MDO) and 2) if fusion is found to be more beneficial than MDO, to determine which is the best method of fusion by comparing the results achieved using autologous bone graft (ABG), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) interposition, and threaded titanium cage (TTC). Methods A total of 125 patients with a single-level cervical disc disease were included in this prospective study. All patients were randomized and assigned to one of the four following groups: Group 1 (33 patients), MDO; Group 2 (30 patients), microdiscectomy followed by ABG; Group 3 (26 patients), microdiscectomy followed by injection of PMMA; and Group 4 (36 patients), microdiscectomy followed by placement of a TTC. Clinical outcome according to Odom criteria was summarized as 1) excellent and good or 2) satisfactory and poor. One-year follow-up examination was performed in 123 patients. Patients in the TTC group experienced a significantly better outcome 6 months after surgery (92% excellent and good results) compared with those in the MDO and ABG groups (72.7 and 66.6% excellent and good results, respectively). Twelve months after surgery there was still a significant difference in outcomes between the TTC group (94.4% excellent and good results) and the MDO group (75.5% excellent and good results). Outcome in patients treated with PMMA was comparable with that in those treated with TCC after 6 (91.6%) and 12 months (87.5%), but no segmental fusion was achieved. Differences compared with MDO and ABG were, however, not significant, which may be related to the smaller number of patients in the PMMA group. Conclusions Interbody cage-assisted fusion yields a significantly better short- and intermediate-term outcome than MDO in terms of return to work, radicular pain, Odom criteria, and earlier fusion. In addition, the advantages of interbody cages over ABG fusion included better results in terms of return to work, Odom criteria, and earlier fusion after 6 months. These results suggest that interbody cage–assisted fusion is a promising therapeutic option in patients with single-level disc disease. Polymethylmethacrylate seems to be a good alternative to interbody cage fusion but is hindered by the absence of immediate fusion.

Failed anterior cervical foraminotomy

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Hacker ◽  
Christopher G. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Cervical Surgery ◽  
Cervical Foraminotomy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Anterior cervical foraminotomy has been advocated as a procedure that preserves the motion segment while treating radiculopathy due to degenerative cervical disc disease. Because the medical literature contains no long-term follow up or randomized studies related to this procedure, the authors reviewed their results, specifically examining cases of failure to determine the efficacy of the approach. Methods. The authors identified 23 patients in whom unilateral cervical radiculopathy due to degenerative cervical disc disease was refractory to conservative therapy and in whom anterior cervical foraminotomy was performed between 1998 and 2000. The procedure involves ipsilateral exposure, microsurgical removal of the uncovertebral joint to identify the nerve root, and partial removal of the lateral anulus and or disc fragments. Data in those patients who underwent reoperation(s) were reviewed specifically for the procedure type, interval between index procedure and reoperation, and whether multiple procedures were performed. Of the 23 patients, 30% required at least one additional procedure. A good or excellent outcome at last follow-up examination was achieved in only 12 patients. Conclusions. In the current study the authors found a reoperation rate that is considerably higher than that in most series of anterior cervical surgery for radiculopathy. The presumed benefit of anterior cervical foraminotomy is preservation of the disc interspace; however, in this study, a significant number of patients failed to experience a satisfying outcome. Currently the authors do not recommend anterior cervical foraminotomy as a stand-alone procedure.

Comparison of Subsidence Failure Between a Cervical Cage and a Cortical Allograft in a Human Cadaveric Model

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis J. DiAngelo ◽  
Jason W. Sharp ◽  
Bobby J. McVay ◽  
Scott H. Kitchel ◽  
Brian P. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Compressive Loading ◽  
Disc Height ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Cortical Allograft ◽  
Cadaveric Model

Interbody fusion (IBF) is an accepted procedure for the treatment of single-level cervical disc disease. The goal of interbody fusion in the cervical spine is to restore disc height and achieve solid arthrodesis; however, a concern with IBF devices is subsidence. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically test and compare subsidence between two cervical interbody fusion techniques, under axial compressive loading in a human cadaveric cervical model.

Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion by endoscopic approach: a preliminary report

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangwei Tan ◽  
Yanping Zheng ◽  
Liangtai Gong ◽  
Xinyu Liu ◽  
Jianmin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Endoscopic Surgery ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Intraoperative Complications ◽  
Postoperative Hemorrhage ◽  
Endoscopic Approach ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Disc Herniation ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Cervical Discectomy

Object The authors report the short-term results of anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion performed via an endoscopic approach. Methods Thirty-six patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) performed using endoscopic surgery were selected for this study. The indications for surgery were cervical disc herniation caused by neck injury, spondylotic myelopathy, cervical radiculopathy, and solitary ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The involved levels included C3–4, C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7. The working channel was inserted through a 20-mm transverse incision, the protruding discs or area of OPLL were excised for complete decompression, and then an appropriate intervertebral polyetheretherketone fusion cage was implanted. Results The time spent in surgery was 120 minutes on average (range 50–150 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 55 ml (range 20–140 ml). There were no intraoperative complications and no symptoms of irritation in the laryngopharynx after surgery. However, postoperative hemorrhage of the incision occurred in 1 case. The follow-up period ranged from 26–50 months (mean 38.5 months). Postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association and visual analog scale scores improved significantly. Conclusions Endoscopic surgery for ACDF can produce satisfactory results in patients with cervical disc herniation, cervical myelopathy, or radiculopathy. The optimal levels for this procedure are C4–5 and C5–6. Compared with a traditional approach, this technique has great advantages in terms of cosmetic results, intraoperative visualization, and postoperative recovery course. Nevertheless, every precaution should be taken to avoid possible complications, such as postoperative hemorrhage.

Analysis of the three United States Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption cervical arthroplasty trials

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheerag D. Upadhyaya ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Gregory Trost ◽  
Regis W. Haid ◽  
Vincent C. Traynelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Effects ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Adjacent Level ◽  
Cervical Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Investigational Device Exemption ◽  
Time Point

Object There are now 3 randomized, multicenter, US FDA investigational device exemption, industry-sponsored studies comparing arthroplasty with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for single-level cervical disease with 2 years of follow-up. These 3 studies evaluated the Prestige ST, Bryan, and ProDisc-C artificial discs. The authors analyzed the combined results of these trials. Methods A total of 1213 patients with symptomatic, single-level cervical disc disease were randomized into 2 treatment arms in the 3 randomized trials. Six hundred twenty-one patients received an artificial cervical disc, and 592 patients were treated with ACDF. In the three trials, 94% of the arthroplasty group and 87% of the ACDF group have completed 2 years of follow-up. The authors analyzed the 2-year data from these 3 trials including previously unpublished source data. Statistical analysis was performed with fixed and random effects models. Results The authors' analysis revealed that segmental sagittal motion was preserved with arthroplasty (preoperatively 7.26° and postoperatively 8.14°) at the 2-year time point. The fusion rate for ACDF at 2 years was 95%. The Neck Disability Index, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Mental, and Physical Component Summaries, neck pain, and arm pain scores were not statistically different between the groups at the 24-month follow-up. The arthroplasty group demonstrated superior results at 24 months in neurological success (RR 0.595, I2 = 0%, p = 0.006). The arthroplasty group had a lower rate of secondary surgeries at the 2-year time point (RR 0.44, I2 = 0%, p = 0.004). At the 2-year time point, the reoperation rate for adjacent-level disease was lower for the arthroplasty group when the authors analyzed the combined data set using a fixed effects model (RR 0.460, I2 = 2.9%, p = 0.030), but this finding was not significant using a random effects model. Adverse event reporting was too heterogeneous between the 3 trials to combine for analysis. Conclusions Both anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as well as arthroplasty demonstrate excellent 2-year surgical results for the treatment of 1-level cervical disc disease with radiculopathy. Arthroplasty is associated with a lower rate of secondary surgery and a higher rate of neurological success at 2 years. Arthroplasty may be associated with a lower rate of adjacent-level disease at 2 years, but further follow-up and analysis are needed to confirm this finding.

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