Cervical Disc Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: What’s the Evidence?

Study DesignSystematic Literature Review.ObjectiveThe aim of this literature review is to examine the results of total disc arthroplasty in the setting of cervical myelopathy.MethodsA systematic review of the relevant literature examining the efficacy of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) in patients with cervical myelopathy was conducted using the Medline database.ResultsOur query identified 288 potentially relevant articles. After eliminating duplicate articles and screening by title and abstract 115 articles underwent full-text review. Of these, 15 were deemed relevant to the research questions posed. Evaluation of references identified 2 additional relevant articles.ConclusionEvaluation of outcomes measures, radiographic analysis, and failure due to implant related complications is equivalent in comparing CDA to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). From the literature available, the outcomes in patients undergoing cervical disc arthroplasty are at least equal to those of ACDF. The concern for persistent symptoms in patients treated with CDA due to the dynamic component on myelopathy is theoretic and not supported by the available literature.