Anterior cervical disc replacement: Indications, techniques, and outcomes

Degeneration of the cervical discs is a frequent indication for surgical intervention. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has consistently demonstrated clinical success; however, concerns for adjacent segment disease have driven investigators to consider alternatives. Overall, 7 cervical devices have been approved in the United States for disc arthroplasty. The data collected has created a benchmark in spine surgery and has served as a critical assessment of both anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as well as anterior cervical disc arthroplasty. Longitudinal follow-up is beginning to differentiate between the outcomes that may be achieved with arthrodesis in comparison to disc arthroplasty.