Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Segment fusion after the discectomy decompression of cervical disc limits the physical exercise of the segment, which causes the accelerated degeneration due to increased stress of adjacent segment.
OBJECTIVE: To observe stability and range of motion (ROM) in the replacement segment and cervical segment during short-term follow-up using artificial cervical disc replacement for the treatment of cervical disc disease.
METHODS: Totally 11 cases (12 segments) who treated with cobalt-chromium alloy PCM cervical disc replacement from Department of Orthopedics, the Second People’s Hospital of Changzhou from June 2010 to August 2011 PCM were selected including seven males and four females. Among these cases, there were eight cases with cervical myelopathy, and three cases with traumatic cervical disc herniation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All cases were followed-up for 3 to 12 months. ROM over flexion and extension, and flexion ROM on lateral left and right were similar to preoperation at 1, 3, 6 months and final follow-up after replacement. Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score at 1 month and final follow-up was significantly increased and Oswestry neck disability index (ONDI) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There was no difference of JOA score and ONDI between final follow-up and at postoperative 1 month (P > 0.05). At the same time, X-ray showed there were no adverse reactions in prosthesis loosening, subsidence or heterotopic ossification. It is indicated that short-term clinical effect for functional motion of cervical vertebra is satisfactory after PCM cervical disc replacement.