The effect of lumbar total disc replacement on the spinopelvic alignment and range of motion of the lumbar spine

A lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) is a type of motion-preserving surgery, which aims to restore and maintain the normal range of motion (ROM) and the sagittal balance of the spine. However, little is known regarding how the spinopelvic alignment and ROM of the lumbar spine are influenced by the lumbar TDR with ProDisc. This study retrospectively analyzed the sagittal alignment and ROM of the lumbar spine in 26 consecutive patients who had undergone the TDR with ProDisc with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. A standing lateral radiograph, which included the femoral heads and dynamic flexion-extension lateral radiographs of the spine were taken before surgery and at the follow-up visit. The radiological parameters included the sacral tilt, the pelvic tilt, and the lumbar lordosis. The segmental lordosis and ROM were also measured at each operative level. Nineteen patients underwent a single-level TDR and 7 patients underwent a double-level TDR. The mean lumbar lordosis increased significantly from 30.5 degrees to 40.8 degrees in all patients who underwent TDR without any significant changes in the sacral tilt and pelvic tilt at the latest follow-up (P<0.05). In the patients who underwent single-level TDR, the mean segmental lordosis at the L5-S1 and L4-5 operative levels increased significantly from 15.8 degrees to 23.2 degrees and from 14.1 degrees to 24.9 degrees, respectively. The mean ROM at L5-S1 and L4-5 increased significantly from 7.1 degrees to 11.2 degrees and from 11.4 degrees to 14.6 degrees, respectively. The sagittal balance and ROM of the lumbar spine improved significantly after the lumbar TDR.     

Response of Charité total disc replacement under physiologic loads: prosthesis component motion patterns.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Total disc replacement (TDR) has been recommended to reduce pain of presumed discogenic origin while preserving spinal motion. The floating core of Charité TDR is professed to allow the replication of the kinematics of a healthy disc under physiologic loads. While segmental motion after Charité TDR has been measured, little is known about the effects of a physiologic compressive preload on vertebral motion and the motion of prosthesis components after TDR. PURPOSE: (1) Does Charité TDR allow restoration of normal load-displacement behavior of a lumbar motion segment under physiologic loads? (2) How do the prosthesis components move relative to each other under physiologic loads when implanted in a lumbar motion segment? STUDY DESIGN: A biomechanical study using human lumbar spines (L1-sacrum). METHODS: Five lumbar spines (age: 52+/-9.3) were used. Specimens were tested under flexion (8 Nm) and extension (6 Nm) moments with compressive follower preloads of 0 N and 400 N in the following sequence: (i) intact, (ii) Charité TDR at L5-S1, (iii) simulated healed fusion at L5-S1 with Charité TDR at L4-L5. Segmental motion was measured optoelectronically. Motions between prosthesis end plates and core were visually assessed using sequential digital video-fluoroscopy over the full range of motion. Here we report on kinematics of 10 Charité TDRs: 5 at L5-S1 and 5 at L4-L5. RESULTS: Charité TDR increased the flexion-extension range of motion of lumbar segments (p<.05). At 400 N preload, the range of motion increased from intact values of 6.8+/-4.4 to 10.0+/-2.4 degrees at L5-S1 and from 7.0+/-2.6 to 10.8+/-2.9 degrees at L4-L5. Charité TDR increased segmental lordosis by 8.1+/-6.9 degrees at L5-S1 (p<.05) and 5.4+/-3.5 degrees at L4-L5 (p<.05). Four patterns of prosthesis component motion were noted: (1) angular motion only between the upper end plate and core, with little or no visual evidence of core translation (9 of 10 TDRs at 0 N preload and 5 of 10 TDRs at 400 N preload); (2) lift-off of upper prosthesis end plate from core or of core from lower end plate (observed in extension in 9 of 10 TDRs under 0 N preload only); (3) core entrapment, resulting in a locked core over a portion of the range of motion (observed in extension in 8 of 10 TDRs under 400 N preload); (4) angular motion between both the upper and lower end plates and core, with visual evidence of core translation (1 of 10 TDRs at 0 N preload, 5 of 10 TDRs at 400 N preload). The pattern of load-displacement curves was substantially changed under a physiologic preload in 8 of 10 TDRs; instead of a relatively gradual change in angle with changing moment application as seen for an intact segment, the TDR displayed regions of both relatively small and relatively large angular changes with gradual moment application. CONCLUSIONS: Charité TDR restored near normal quantity of flexion-extension range of motion under a constant physiologic preload; however, the quality of segmental motion differed from the intact case over the flexion-extension range. Whereas some TDRs showed visual evidence of core translation, the predominant angular motion within the prosthesis occurred between the upper end plate and the polyethylene core. Likely factors affecting the function of the Charité TDR include implant placement and orientation, intraoperative change in lordosis, and magnitude of physiologic compressive preload. Further work is needed to assess the effects of the prosthesis motion patterns identified in the study on the load sharing at the implanted level and polyethylene core wear.     

Lumbar total disc replacement using ProDisc II: a prospective study with a 2-year minimum follow-up

A lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) is believed to be a promising substitute in the surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 36 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar TDR using ProDisc II, and the factors associated with a better clinical outcome after a 2-year minimum follow-up. At the time of the latest follow-up, the success rate was 94% of 36 patients according to the criteria of the US Food and Drug Administration. Of the 10 patients unable to work preoperatively, 7 patients returned to work. Moreover, mean score on the visual analog scale for low back and leg pain improved significantly from 7.5 and 4.7 to 3.0 and 1.2, respectively (P<0.001). In addition, mean Oswestry disability index scores improved significantly from 69.2 to 21.0 (P<0.001). Mean disc height at the operative level increased significantly from 9.0 to 17.6 mm, and mean range of motion increased significantly from 9.7 to 12.7 degrees (P<0.01). Statistical analysis showed that the factors associated with a better clinical outcome were single level, and a higher postoperative segmental ROM at the operative level. At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, the lumbar TDR using ProDisc II showed excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes without any significant complication. However, future efforts need to be directed toward the evaluation of a larger number of patients with longer follow-up.     

Anschlusssegmentbeweglichkeit nach monosegmentaler Bandscheibenprothesenimplantation und monosegmentaler Fusion Segment L4/5

Background

Preservation of movement at the treated segment and possible reduction of adjacent segment effects is assumed to be an advantage of non-fusion technologies over fusion. The aim of this study was to compare the segmental range of motion (ROM) at the operative level, the cranial and caudal adjacent levels and the global lumbar spine ROM (L2-S1) after monosegmental fusion and total disc replacement (TDR).

Patients and methods

Radiographic data was collected from 27 patients with level 1 degenerative disc disease operated at level L4/5. The ROM was assessed at the index level (L4/5), the cranial and caudal adjacent level and for the lumbar spine (L2-S1).

Results

In the TDR group no significant changes of lumbar spine ROM (L2–S1) and segmental ROM (index level, cranial and caudal adjacent level) were noticed. In the fusion group there was a significant reduction of lumbar ROM (L2-S1) and index level ROM. Additionally the relative ROM in the adjacent caudal segment significantly increased while no changes were seen in the cranial segment.

Conclusion

The relative ROM was significantly increased in monosegmental fusion at level L4/5 compared to TDR. To what extent this fact may result in early adjacent segment degeneration in cases of fusion compared to TDR is still unknown.     

Long-term flexion-extension range of motion of the prodisc total disc replacement

The rationale for total disc replacement is avoidance of the junctional degeneration seen after arthrodesis by preservation of segmental motion. To justify the use of disc prostheses, it is essential to document maintained range of motion (ROM) and sagittal alignment at long-term follow-up. This is a retrospective radiographic study of 42 patients who had placement of 58 first-generation Prodisc prostheses at a mean follow-up of 8.7 years. Flexion-extension ROM was measured by Cobb's method. Junctional levels were evaluated for junctional degeneration. Pre- and postoperative global and segmental lordosis were measured. Prognostic patient factors predicting ROM of <2 degrees were evaluated. We observed ROM of at least 2 degrees in 66% of Prodisc prostheses at 8.7-year follow-up, although ROM was less than that reported in asymptomatic normal individuals. Mean ROM for disc prostheses with motion was 7.5 degrees at L3-L4, 6.2 degrees at L4-L5, and 4.1 degrees at L5-S1. Mean ROM for all prostheses was 3.8 degrees. The incidence of radiographic junctional degeneration was 24%, although no patients required surgery for symptomatic junctional degeneration. Mean ROM of prostheses below a degenerated junctional disc was 1.6 degrees compared with 4.7 degrees below a normal junctional disc (P < 0.035). Females were 3.5 times more likely to have ROM of <2 degrees. This is the longest published follow-up study of a lumbar disc replacement. The data show that ROM is preserved at long-term follow-up in the majority of patients. Global and segmental sagittal alignment improve after surgery. Furthermore, there is an association between ROM of disc prostheses and the development of junctional degeneration.     

Early failure of lumbar disc replacement: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of a patient who underwent two-level lumbar total disc replacement at L4-L5 and L5-S1 with the ProDisc II prosthesis, who was diagnosed with early anterior migration of the caudally placed device with partial occlusion of the left common iliac vein. The device was explanted and revised to an anterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterior instrumented fusion. Despite the substantial experience with lumbar disc arthroplasty in Europe and the United States, there exist few reports of device explantation or revision. To our knowledge, early postoperative vascular complications, while discussed hypothetically, have not been reported. With implantation of the total disc replacement in proximity to the great vessels, the potential for vascular complications is clearly substantial. The technical aspects of the device explantation are discussed as well as issues pertinent to early failure. A literature review of device complications associated with lumbar total disc replacement is also presented.     

内镜辅助微创入路人工腰椎间盘置换术的临床效果及矢状平衡分析

目的 探讨内镜辅助微创入路人工腰椎间盘置换术的临床效果及对矢状平衡的影响.方法 采用内镜辅助微创入路Maverick人工腰椎间盘置换术治疗腰椎间盘退变性疾病135例.术前MR检查评估小关节和椎旁肌退变程度;术前和随访时均摄腰椎正侧位、过伸过屈位及包括双侧股骨头的站立位脊柱全长正侧位X线片,测量假体位置和活动度、矢状平衡参数.结果 术后随访2～5年,平均3.5年.一个间隙手术时间平均60 min,术中出血平均170 ml.输尿管损伤1例,术中修补后效果好,交感神经损伤5例,术后神经根性痛4例,切口浅表感染1例,保守治疗后均好转.末次随访时Oswestry 评分由术前平均46.6%+12.0%降至23.2%±19.0%;腰痛和腿痛视觉类比评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)分别由术前平均7.6±2.3和3.6±3.0降至2.7±2.5和1.9+2.5.末次随访时间盘置换节段活动度平均7.5°±5.2°,节段性前凸较术前增加,但相邻节段前凸代偿性减少,腰椎前凸轻度增大,维持矢状平衡.L4-5 椎间盘置换同时行L5S1前路融合者L4,5前凸增大不明显;L5S1椎间盘置换者骨盆指数平均降低1.7°;骶骨上终板倾角＜35°者末次随访时平均增大2.1°,＞45°者平均减少3.8°.结论 内镜辅助微创人路Maverick人工腰椎间盘置换术在严格掌握适应证的情况下能取得良好的临床效果,保留椎间活动度,恢复和保持脊柱矢状平衡,间盘置换节段一般前凸增加,但受相邻节段融合手术的影响.     

Measurement of total disc replacement radiographic range of motion: a comparison of two techniques

OBJECTIVE: Current methods used to measure total disc replacement (TDR) radiographic range of motion (ROM) have not been previously evaluated. Sagittal ROM is measured by determining the change in the Cobb angle of the prosthesis from the flexion to the extension radiographs. Either the metallic endplates or the keels of the TDR prosthesis can be used as radiographic landmarks in measuring ROM. We hypothesized that use of the prosthesis keels as radiographic landmarks, when compared with the use of prosthesis endplates, might lead to more precise measurements of TDR sagittal ROM. METHODS: Two observers (a fifth-year orthopedics resident and an attending orthopedic spine surgeon) measured the ROM of 51 Prodisc II TDRs on standard flexion and extension lumbar spine radiograph sets. Repeated measurements were made on two occasions using either the keels or the endplates as landmarks. Precision was defined as the mean of the absolute differences between measurements. RESULTS: For observer A, the mean absolute difference between two measurements was 1.4 degrees with the keel method compared with 3.0 degrees with the endplate method (P < 0.001). For observer B, the mean absolute difference between two measurements was 1.8 degrees with the keel method and 3.3 degrees with the endplate method (P < 0.001). When the interobserver differences were examined, the mean absolute difference was 1.8 degrees with the keel method and 3.3 degrees with the endplate method (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the use of TDR prosthesis keels as radiographic landmarks, when compared with the use of prosthesis endplates, yields greater precision in ROM measurement. For TDR prostheses with a keel, we recommend using the keel to measure ROM.     

Radiological and clinical long-term results of heterotopic ossification following lumbar total disc replacement

Background

The long-term results of heterotopic ossification (HO) following lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) and the corresponding clinical and radiological outcomes are unclear.

Lumbar spine disc height and curvature responses to an axial load generated by a compression device compatible with magnetic resonance imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: Axial load-dependent changes in the lumbar spine of supine healthy volunteers were examined using a compression device compatible with magnetic resonance imaging. OBJECTIVE: To test two hypotheses: Axial loading of 50% body weight from shoulder to feet in supine posture 1) simulates the upright lumbar spine alignment and 2) decreases disc height significantly. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Axial compression on the lumbar spine has significantly narrowed the lumbar dural sac in patients with sciatica, neurogenic claudication or both. METHODS: Using a device compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, the lumbar spine of eight young volunteers, ages 22 to 36 years, was axially compressed with a force equivalent to 50% of body weight, approximating the normal load on the lumbar spine in upright posture. Sagittal lumbar magnetic resonance imaging was performed to measure intervertebral angle and disc height before and during compression. RESULTS: Each intervertebral angle before and during compression was as follows: T12-L1 (-0.8 degrees +/- 2.5 degrees and -1.5 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees ), L1-L2 (0.7 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees and 3.3 degrees +/- 2.9 degrees ), L2-L3 (4.7 degrees +/- 3.5 degrees and 7.3 degrees +/- 6 degrees ), L3-L4 (7.9 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees and 11.1 degrees +/- 4.6 degrees ), L4-L5 (14.3 degrees +/- 3.3 degrees and 14.9 degrees +/- 1.7 degrees ), L5-S1 (25.8 degrees +/- 5.2 degrees and 20.8 degrees +/- 6 degrees ), and L1-S1 (53.4 degrees +/- 11.9 degrees and 57.3 degrees +/- 16.7 degrees ). Negative values reflect kyphosis, and positive values reflect lordosis. A significant difference between values before and during compression was obtained at L3-L4 and L5-S1. There was a significant decrease in disc height only at L4-L5 during compression. CONCLUSIONS: The axial force of 50% body weight in supine posture simulates the upright lumbar spine morphologically. No change in intervertebral angle occurred at L4-L5. However, disc height at L4-L5 decreased significantly during compression.     

Effect of intraoperative position used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion on the maintenance of lumbar lordosis

OBJECT: The objective in this study was to compare retrospectively the use of different operating tables with different positions for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and the effect on intraoperative and postoperative lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis. METHODS: One hundred seventy-two patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine who underwent posterior decompression and PLIF in which a 0 degrees polyetheretherketone cage and pedicle screw fixation were used were evaluated. Ninety-one patients underwent surgery on a Wilson table (Group I) and 81 patients were treated on an OSI Jackson spinal table (Group II). Preoperative standing, intraoperative prone, and postoperative standing lateral radiographs were obtained in each patient. The total lumbar and segmental lordosis were compared and analyzed according to the position in which the patients were placed for their operation. RESULTS: The intraoperative total lumbar lordosis was significantly decreased compared with the preoperative value. The postoperative total lumbar lordosis was similar, however, to the preoperative values in both groups. In Group I, the intraoperative segmental lordosis of L2-3 and L3-4 was significantly decreased compared with the pre-operative segmental lordosis. In Group II, the intraoperative segmental lordosis of L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, and L4-S1 was significantly decreased compared with the preoperative segmental lordosis. The postoperative segmental lordosis of L4-5 was significantly decreased and L2-3 was significantly increased compared with the preoperative lordosis in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative position does not affect postoperative total lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis in short-segment PLIF of the lumbar spine in a retrospective analysis of the surgical procedure to maintain lordosis.     

Range of motion and adjacent level degeneration after lumbar total disc replacement.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There are no published studies on the relationship between total disc replacement (TDR) motion and the development of adjacent level degeneration (ALD). Because prevention of ALD is the underlying justification for TDR, studies investigating the validity of this concept are essential. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between range of motion (ROM) and ALD 8.7 years after lumbar TDR. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective radiographic and chart review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Forty-two patients 8.7 years after lumbar TDR. OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic flexion-extension and ALD. Modified Stauffer-Coventry score. Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Subjective patient ratings of back pain, leg pain, and disability. METHODS: We reviewed the flexion-extension radiographs of 42 patients 8.7 years after TDR. Cephalad adjacent levels were evaluated for degeneration: loss of disc space height, anterior osteophyte formation, or dynamic flexion-extension instability. Graphical analysis of motion and the prevalence of ALD was performed. A statistical relationship between ALD and clinical outcome was sought. RESULTS: Ten of 42 patients evaluated (24%) had radiographic ALD. The mean motion was 3.8 degrees +/-2.0 degrees. The patients with ALD had mean motion of 1.6 degrees +/-1.3 degrees whereas the patients without ALD had motion of 4.7 degrees +/-4.5 degrees (p=.035). A clear relationship between motion and the presence of ALD at 8.7-year follow-up was observed. Patients with motion 5 degrees or greater (n=13) had a 0% prevalence of ALD. Patients with motion less than 5 degrees (n=29) had a 34% prevalence of ALD (p=.021, odds ratio 13.5). ALD had no statistically significant effect on clinical outcome although the sample size was small. CONCLUSIONS: At 8.7-year follow-up, the prevalence of ALD after TDR is higher in patients with motion less than 5 degrees. The presence of ALD had no significant effect on clinical outcome, but the sample size was small. These data suggest that patients with significant ROM after lumbar TDR may have reduced risk for radiographic ALD.     

Lumbar disc replacement: preliminary results with ProDisc II after a minimum follow-up period of 1 year

Total disc replacement has the potential to replace fusion as the gold standard surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease. Potential advantages of disc replacement over fusion include avoidance of pseudarthrosis, postoperative orthoses, and junctional degeneration. After observing satisfactory clinical results at 7-11 years' follow-up with the ProDisc first-generation implant, a second-generation prosthesis was designed. This study is a prospective analysis of the early results of total disc replacement with the ProDisc II total disc prosthesis. Fifty-three patients had single-level or multilevel disc replacement and were evaluated clinically and radiographically preoperatively and at mean 1.4-year follow-up. There were clinically and statistically significant improvements in back and leg pain Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry disability scores that were maintained at final follow-up. The clinical results of patients with single- and multilevel surgery were equivalent. Satisfactory results were achieved in 90% of patients who had previous lumbar surgery. Complications occurred in 9% of patients and included vertebral body fracture, transient radicular pain, implant malposition, and transient retrograde ejaculation. Three patients (6%) required reoperation to address complications. No mechanical failure of the implants or loosening was observed, and the prostheses retained motion. Randomized, prospective, long-term studies will be necessary to compare the effectiveness of arthrodesis with total disc replacement.     

Revision of a Charité artificial disc 9.5 years in vivo to a new Charité artificial disc: case report and explant analysis

This report describes a case of one-level total disc replacement (TDR) of L5-S1 requiring revision at 9.5 years following the index surgery due to polyethylene failure caused by high oxidation. Primary revision strategies for TDR include instrumented posterolateral fusion, or 360° fusion with replacement of the prosthesis with cages or allograft bone. A revision of a TDR with a similar prosthesis has not been described in the literature. An active 42-year-old female underwent TDR with a Charité artificial disc. She remained active and pain free for 9.5 years before presenting with moderate low-back pain and sciatica. Radiographic studies confirmed a fragmented polyethylene core. The failed prosthesis was revised to a new Charité disc with the patient again active and pain free for 6 months following surgery. Chemical and physical analysis of the core indicated high oxidation due to gamma sterilization in air; a process changed to gamma sterilization in nitrogen in 1998 to meet industry standards. No evidence of wear debris was noted. Revision of an artificial disc with an artificial disc can be performed safely and adequately with the Charité disc prosthesis as an alternative to fusion necessitated by a device failure. An anterior revision approach carries significant risk and should only be performed by surgeons experienced in anterior lumbar surgery.     

Do MRI findings correlate with mobility tests? An explorative analysis of the test validity with regard to structure

To find out whether segmental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings such as intervertebral disc degeneration (DD) and facet joint osteoarthritis (FJO) are associated with motion deficiencies as seen in common mobility tests and observed range of motion (ROM). A total of 112 female subjects, nurses and office workers, with and without low back pain, were examined by clinical experts, and lumbar mobility was measured including modified Schober, fingertip-to-floor distance (FTFD) and ZEBRIS motion analysis. An MRI of the lumbar spine was made. Mobility findings were correlated with segmental morphologic changes as seen on MRI at the levels of L1-2 through L5-S1. Only a few statistically significant correlations between MRI findings and the results of the mobility tests could be found. Lateral bending was weakly and negatively correlated to DD and FJO but only on the level of L5-S1. The FTFD showed a weak positive correlation to endplate changes on the level of L4-5. When ROM is observed by clinical experts, there are several significant relationships between MRI findings and the observed motion. There is a highly significant segmental correlation between DD and disc form alteration as seen on MRI on the level of single motion segments. Pain history and current pain level did not moderate any association between MRI and mobility. There is no clear relationship between the structural changes represented by MRI and the measured mobility tests used in this study. Our findings suggest that close observation of spinal motion may provide at least equal information about the influence of spinal structures on motion than the commonly used measured mobility tests do.     

Total disc arthroplasty: consequences for sagittal balance and lumbar spine movement

This in vivo biomechanical study was undertaken to analyze the consequences for sagittal balance and lumbar spine movement in three different lumbar disc prostheses. A total of 105 patients underwent total disc replacement in three different centers. The Maverick^® prosthesis was used in 46 patients, the SB Charité^® device was used in 49 patients and the Prodisc^® device was utilized in 10 patients. The analysis was computer assisted, using Spineview^® and Matlab^® softwares. The intra and inter-observer reliability and measurement uncertainty was performed. The analysis of lateral X-ray films in flexion–extension allowed to measure the prosthesis positioning, the range of motion (ROM), the localization of the mean center of rotation (MCR), the vertebral translation and the disc height, for each prosthesis device. The sagittal balance was analyzed on a full spine film. The parameters studied were described by Duval-Beaupère. The results were compared to the data found in literature, and compared to 18 asymptomatic volunteers, and 61 asymptomatic subjects, concerning the sagittal balance. The prostheses allowed an improvement of the ROM of less than 2°. The ROM of L5–S1 prostheses ranged from 11.6 to 15.6% of the total lumbar motion during flexion–extension. At L4–L5 level, the ROM decreased when there was an arthrodesis associated at the L5–S1 level. There was no difference of ROM between the three prostheses devices. The MCR was linked to the ROM, but did not depend on the prosthesis offcentering. The disc height improved for any prosthesis, and decreased in flexion or in extension, when the prosthesis was offcentered. An increase of translation indicated a minor increase of the ROM at L4–L5 level after Maverick^® or SB Charité^® implantation. The L5–S1 arthrodesis was linked with an increase of the pelvic tilt. The lumbar lordosis curvature increased between L4 and S1, even more when a prosthesis was placed at the L3–L4 level. Total disc arthroplasty is useful in the surgical management of discogenic spinal pathology. The three prostheses studied allowed to retorate the disc height, the ROM, without disrupting the sagittal balance, but induced modification of the lumbar curvature.     

Clinical outcomes,radiologic kinematics,and effects on sagittal balance of the 6 df LP-ESP lumbar disc prosthesis

Background contextSurgical treatment of degenerative disc disease remains a controversial subject. Lumbar fusion has been associated with a potential risk of segmental junctional disease and sagittal balance misalignment. Motion preservation devices have been developed as an alternative to fusion. The LP-ESP disc is a one-piece deformable device achieving 6 df, including shock absorption and elastic return. This is the first clinical report on its use.PurposeTo assess clinical outcomes and radiologic kinematics in the first 2 years after implantation.Study designProspective cohort of patients with LP-ESP total disc replacement (TDR) at the lumbar spine.Patient sampleForty-six consecutive patients.Outcome measuresClinical outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the GHQ28 (General Health Questionnaire) psychological score. Radiologic data were the range of motion (ROM), sagittal balance parameters, and mean center of rotation (MCR).MethodsPatients had single-level TDR at L4–L5 or L5–S1. Outcomes were prospectively recorded for 2 years (before and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery). The SpineView software was used for computed analysis of the radiographic data. Paired t tests were used for statistical comparisons.ResultsNo intraoperative complication occurred. All clinical scores improved significantly at 24 months: the back pain VAS scores by a mean of 4.1 points and the ODI by 33 points. The average ROM of the instrumented level was 5.4°±4.8° at 2 years and more than 2° for 76% of prostheses. The MCR was in a physiological area in 73% of cases. The sagittal balance (pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and segmental lordosis) did not change significantly at any point of the follow-up.ConclusionsResults from the 2-year follow-up indicate that LP-ESP prosthesis recreates lumbar spine function similar to that of the healthy disc in terms of ROM, quality of movement, effect on sagittal balance, and absence of modification in the kinematics of the upper adjacent level.     

Vertical split fracture of the vertebral body following total disc replacement using ProDisc: report of two cases

As ProDisc has a tall keel on the plates, it has the potential to cause a vertical fracture of the vertebral body. However, to our knowledge, there is no previously reported case of a vertical split fracture of the vertebral body after ProDisc disc arthroplasty that was attributed to the keel design of the ProDisc. We report two cases of vertical split fracture of the vertebral body after total disc replacement (TDR) with ProDisc and discuss the issue of the height of the keel of the prosthesis. Even though there was no serious clinical consequence as a result of the fracture in our cases, except the fact that the patients were dissatisfied with the surgery at 3-month follow-up because of the prolonged back pain, the potential of the fracture to cause other serious complications such as hematoma, device migration, or surgical failure cannot be ignored. The keel design of the ProDisc has the disadvantage that it can cause a vertebral body fracture in some patients. Therefore, care should be exercised not to fracture the vertebral body when TDR is done with the ProDisc, especially in a patient with small vertebral body height or when it is done at multiple levels.     

Sagittal alignment and segmental range of motion after total disc replacement of the lumbar spine

AIM: To evaluate changes in static and dynamic values, X-rays of patients who underwent total disc replacement for degenerative disc disease were analyzed. METHOD: An analysis of pre- and postoperative lateral X-rays in 22 patients with 24 total disc replacements (Prodics, Spine Solutions) was performed. The total lumbar lordosis, the segmental lordosis angle, the disc height and the range of motion in the operated level were measured. RESULTS: Postoperatively a significant increase was observed for the following parameters: the anterior (pre: 9.0 +/- 3.4 mm; post: 16.7 +/- 2.4 mm; p < 0.001) and posterior (pre: 4.4 +/- 1.3 mm; post: 8.8 +/- 1.3 mm; p < 0.001) disc height and the segmental lordosis angle (pre: 20 degrees +/- 7.2 degrees; post: 27.7 degrees +/- 7.4 degrees; p < 0.001). Statistically no significant changes could be observed postoperatively for the total lumbar lordosis (pre: 56.2 degrees +/- 10.7 degrees; post: 58.6 degrees +/- 9.3 degrees; p = 0.196) and the range of motion (pre: 5.0 degrees +/- 4.0 degrees; post: 5.9 degrees +/- 3.5 degrees; p = 0.293). CONCLUSION: Total disc replacement for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with the current concept does not alter the range of motion but significantly increases the disc height. The significant increase in segmental lordosis without a change in the total lumbar lordosis accounts for a change in lordosis in adjacent segments.     

Effect of multilevel lumbar disc arthroplasty on the operative- and adjacent-level kinematics and intradiscal pressures: an in vitro human cadaveric assessment

Background contextWith lumbar arthroplasty gaining popularity, limited data are available highlighting changes in adjacent-level mechanics after multilevel procedures.PurposeCompare operative– and adjacent-segment range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal pressures (IDPs) after two-level arthroplasty versus circumferential arthrodesis.Study designCadaveric biomechanical study.MethodsTen human cadaveric lumbar spines were used in this investigation. Biomechanical testing was performed according to a hybrid testing protocol using an unconstrained spine simulator under axial rotation (AR), flexion extension (FE), and lateral-bending (LB) loading. Specimens were tested in the following order: 1) Intact, 2) L3–L5 total disc replacement (TDR), 3) L3–L5 anterior interbody cages+pedicle screws. IDP was recorded at proximal and distal adjacent levels and normalized to controls (%intact). Full ROM was monitored at the operative and adjacent levels and reported in degrees.ResultsKinematics assessment revealed L3–L5 ROM reduction after both reconstructions versus intact controls (p<.05). However, global quality of segmental motion distributed over L2–S1 was preserved in the arthroplasty group but was significantly altered after circumferential fixation. Furthermore, adjacent-level ROM was increased for the arthrodesis group under LB at both segments and during AR at L2–L3 relative to controls (p<.05). FE did not reveal any intergroup statistical differences. Nonetheless, after arthrodesis IDPs were increased proximally under all three loading modalities, whereas distally a significant IDP rise was noted during AR and LB (p<.05). No statistical differences in either biomechanical parameter were recorded at the adjacent levels between intact control and TDR groups.ConclusionsOur results indicate no significant adjacent-level biomechanical changes between arthroplasty and control groups. In contrast, significant alterations in ROM and IDP were recorded both proximally (ROM=LB & AR; IDP=AR, FE, LB) and distally (ROM=LB; IDP=AR & LB) after circumferential arthrodesis. Therefore, two-level lumbar arthroplasty maintains a more favorable biomechanical environment at the adjacent segments compared with the conventional transpedicular fixation technique. This, in turn, may have a positive effect on the rate of the transition syndrome postoperatively.