While an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is still a viable procedure, the arthroplasty can be a better option for patients under 50, according to a UCSF news release. Surgeons begin the procedure by removing the herniated disc, but instead of fusing the spine, the surgeon replaces the missing disc with an artificial disc.
The artificial disc is usually made of steel, plastic or titanium, and provides more spine mobility and less stress on adjacent discs. A study conducted across the country examined 1,213 patients with cervical disc disease, 621 of whom received an artificial disc. A two-year follow up showed that while results for both ACDF and arthroplasty were good, the rate of repeat surgery was lower in the group receiving arthroplasty.
Read the UCSF release about arthroplasty for the cervical spine.
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
– 5 Studies at the Forefront of Spine Surgery
– Study: Unilateral Laminotomy Decreases Operative Times, Blood Loss
– Genetics May BE a Predictor of Spinal Surgery Outcomes
