A meta-analysis of cervical arthroplasty compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for single-level cervical disc disease

There is no consensus on whether anterior cervical arthroplasty or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the optimal treatment for single-level cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the safety and efficacy of anterior cervical arthroplasty with ACDF. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, there were significant differences between these two treatment approaches in the arm visual analog scale (VAS) scores [mean difference (MD) = −4.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −6.42 to −3.30], neck VAS scores (MD = −7.90, 95% CI = −10.36 to −5.44), overall success rate [odds ratio (OR) = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.43 to 2.36], neurological success rate (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.20 to 2.55), and incidence of reoperation [risk ratio (RR) = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.97]. However, there were no significant differences in the neck disability index (NDI) scores (MD = −3.81, 95% CI = −8.12 to 0.51), number of adverse events (RR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.48 to 1.23), or radiological success rate (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.36 to 2.09). Based on this meta-analysis, cervical arthroplasty is a safe and effective surgical procedure for treating single-level cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy.