PRESTIGE Cervical Arthroplasty: Past, Present, and Future

Cervical arthroplasty was developed and is used to preserve segmental motion of the cervical spine for selected patients who require cervical diskectomy. There are now 3 cervical arthroplasty devices available for use in the United States. The data from the PRESTIGE ST US Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption trial and the relevant literature published on cervical arthroplasty devices were reviewed. The history of development, current clinical outcomes reports, and adverse events reports are summarized. Cervical arthroplasty is a safe and effective option for patients with single-level cervical disk disease with radiculopathy, who have normal facets. The appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria for cervical arthroplasty from the US Food and Drug Administration trials must not be overlooked. Appropriate surgical technique will help optimize patient outcomes.