Cervical arthroplasty in the management of spondylotic myelopathy: 18-month results

Abstract

Cervical arthroplasty after anterior cervical decompression at one or more levels represents an exciting tool in the management of spinal cord compression caused by spondylotic disease or acute disc prolapse. Results obtained in this study add further weight to the potential role of cervical arthroplasty for cervical myelopathy and longer follow up is provided on a previously reported series. It is suggested that care must be taken in using this unconstrained prosthesis if there is a preexisting spinal deformity. Longer follow up will reveal any delayed problems with artificial disc implantation, but in the short to medium term, this technique offers an excellent outcome.