Early development and progression of heterotopic ossification in cervical total disc replacement

Abstract

The overall incidence of HO after cervical TDR was relatively high. Moreover, HO began unexpectedly to appear early after surgery. Heterotopic ossification progression was proportional to the time that had elapsed postoperatively. Grade III or IV HO can restrict the cervical ROM and may lead to spontaneous fusion; however, the occurrence of HO did not affect clinical outcome. The results of this study indicate that a high incidence of HO with the possibility of spontaneous fusion is to be expected during long-term follow-up and should be considered before performing cervical TDR.