Artificial Intervertebral Disc Replacement for Treating Cervical Disc Disease

ECRI Institute Evidence Reports provide a systematic review of a specific application of a particular drug, medical device, healthcare procedure, or healthcare service. The clinical studies chosen for inclusion are generally limited to English-language publications in peer-reviewed journals. This report examines the use of artificial intervertebral disc replacement for cervical disc disease. Artificial lumbar disc replacement is outside the scope of this report.

Some patients with cervical disc disease have continued neck/arm pain despite nonoperative treatment. Conventional surgical treatment involves discectomy and cervical fusion; many patients have fared well with fusion. However, concerns with fusion are the lack of mobility and the possibility that it accelerates the degeneration of adjacent discs. Thus, a new treatment involves discectomy and the implantation of an artificial disc, which is intended to preserve motion.

Orthopedic spine surgeons or neurosurgeons

Given the novelty of artificial cervical...