Effect of intervertebral disc height on postoperative motion and clinical outcomes after Prodisc-C cervical disc replacement

Abstract 

Background context

Cervical total disc replacement (TDR) is an emerging technology. However, the factors that influence postoperative range of motion (ROM) and patient satisfaction are not fully understood.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of pre- and postoperative disc height on postoperative motion and clinical outcomes.

Study design/setting

Retrospective review of patients enrolled in prospective randomized Food and Drug Administration (FDA) trial.

Patient sample

One hundred sixty-six patients with single-level ProDisc-C arthroplasty performed were evaluated.

Outcome measures

ROM and clinical outcomes based on Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed.

Methods

Preoperative and postoperative disc height and ROM were measured from lateral and flexion-extension radiographs. Student t test and Spearman's rho tests were performed to determine any correlation or “threshold” effect between the disc height and ROM or clinical outcome.

Results

Patients with less than 4mm of preoperative disc height had a mean 1.8° increase in flexion-extension ROM after TDR, whereas patients with greater than 4mm of preoperative disc height had no change (mean, 0°) in flexion-extension ROM (p=.04). Patients with greater than 5mm of postoperative disc height have significantly higher postoperative flexion-extension ROM (mean, 10.1°) than those with less than 5mm disc height (mean, 8.3°, p=.014). However, patients with greater than 7mm of postoperative disc height have significantly lower postoperative lateral bending ROM (mean, 4.1°) than those with less than 7mm disc height (mean, 5.7°, p=.04). It appears that the optimal postoperative disc height is between 5 and 7mm for increased ROM on flexion extension and lateral bending. There was a mean improvement of 30.5 points for NDI, 4.3 points for VAS neck pain score, and 3.9 points for VAS arm pain score (all p<.001). No correlation could be found between clinical outcomes and disc height. Similarly, no threshold effect could be found between any specific disc height and NDI or VAS.

Conclusion

Patients with greater disc collapse of less than 4mm preoperative disc height benefit more in ROM after TDR. The optimal postoperative disc height range to maximize ROM is between 5 and 7mm. This optimal range did not translate into better clinical outcome at 2-year follow-up.

Keywords: Cervical disc replacement, Disc height, Range of motion