The Cervical Artificial Disc Paradox: Do We Need Less Motion to Preserve Motion? The Spine Journal doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2017.08.081
Date
10/25/2017Abstract
Cervical arthroplasty is gaining popularity as a motion preservation option for those with cervical spondylosis who do not desire arthrodesis. These patients often have an active lifestyle and/or occupation with increased motion and stress in the cervical spine. Recent studies focused on the failure of cervical arthroplasty due to heterotopic ossification, leading to an increasing popularity of unconstrained artificial discs. However, constant motion places the interbody implant at an increased risk of migration, as seen in independent reports of migration in the literature. Once migration occurs, the instantaneous axis of rotation shifts, begetting further migration. Interestingly, the published cases of severe migration or extrusion requiring implant removal and arthrodesis involved unconstrained artificial discs. This led to the question of a possible paradox: do we need less motion to preserve motion?