A new study published in The Spine Journal examines adjacent segment disease after cervical disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
The study authors conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published before May 2016. There were 29 randomized controlled trials included in the meta-analysis. The study authors found:
1. Reoperation rates were significantly lower in the cervical disc arthroplasty group.
2. Cervical disc arthroplasty proved more advantageous in reducing adjacent segment reoperation as the follow-up time increased, according to a subgroup analysis.
3. Both groups reported similar adjacent segment disease within 24 months of surgery, but adjacent segment disease was significantly lower in the disc arthroplasty group as time went on.
4. The cervical disc replacement was associated with lower adjacent segment range of motion; however, the difference wasn't statistically significant.
5. The study authors concluded, "Compared with ACDF, the advantages of CDA were lower ASDeg and adjacent segment reoperation. However, there was no statistically significant difference in ASDis and adjacent segment ROM."