Preliminary results of Activ C artificial disc replacement for cervical spondylosis

English Keywords:Cervical spondylosis  Artificial disc replacement  Preliminary results

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives: To investigate the early clinical effects of cervical Activ C artificial disc replacement. Methods: 43 patients(mean age 48.3 years; 18 males and 25 females) of cervical spondylosis with a total of 45 levels involved underwent anterior cervical decompression and Activ C implantation between November 2009 and March 2011. There were 22 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 16 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 5 cases of mixed cervical spondylosis. Clinical index(Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, neck disability index and visual analogues scale) and radiological parameters(Cobb angle of cervical curvature and segmental ROM) during follow-up were observed. Results: The follow-up averaged 13.8 months(range, 8-24 months). The mean JOA improved from 8.2±0.7 to 14.7±0.4(P＜0.05), and the mean NDI improved from 35.3±4.7 to 16.2±3.4(P＜0.05). The mean VAS on neck pain and arm pain was 6.8±1.1 and 6.5±1.2 respectively before operation and significantly decreased to 1.3±0.8 and 1.8±0.9 respectively at final follow-up. The Cobb angle of cervical curvature was 7.97°±4.49° and 9.15°±3.85° for baseline and final follow-up with no significant difference(P＞0.05). The ROM of the operated segments increased obviously(P＜0.05) after operation, and the ROM of the adjacent segments did not change during follow-up. Two cases were complicated with heterotopic ossification in 7 and 10 months respectively. Conclusions: The Activ C artificial disc replacement can achieve good clinical outcomes for cervical spondylosis. Longer follow-up and morphological evaluation of the results are necessary to evaluate long-term segmental mobility and clinical outcomes.