Four-level cervical disc replacement is rare, but a small study published in the October issue of the International Journal of Spine Surgery found the procedure is safe and effective.
Five notes:
1. Researchers examined the data of 20 patients with a mean age of 56 and an average follow-up of 34 months.
2. The patients typically had multilevel disc herniations with mild spondylosis. Researchers assessed the clinical results including including global and individual segmental range of motion and any complications.
3. All patients had improved clinical outcomes, and range of motion trended toward an increase after four-level disc replacement.
4. Global cervical alignment remained unchanged. There was one case of permanent C5 radiculopathy but no other reoperations or neurological deteriorations.
5. The study concluded, "For these rare but unique indications, 4-level CDA yielded clinical improvement and preserved segmental motility with low rates of complications. Four-level CDA is a safe and effective surgery, maintaining the ROM in patients with primarily disc herniations and mild spondylosis."