Early removal of a Maverick disc prosthesis: surgical findings and morphological changes.

We report the case of a patient who underwent explantation of a Maverick total disc prosthesis at the L5S1 level because of severe persisting pain one year after initial implantation. Dynamic radiographic imaging studies showed good position and size of the prosthesis and no evidence of loosening. Intraoperatively residual mobility at the proximal bone-prosthesis interface was detected, as well as gross metallosis around the articulation of the total disc prosthesis. A safe and straightforward technique for the extraction of a Maverick prosthesis using a hooked instrument to hook-on the keel of the device is reported. After removal of the device, an anterior lumbar interbody fusion with subsequent posterior pedicle screw fixation and posterior bone grafting with autologous iliac bone was performed (360 degrees fusion). During this posterior procedure, severe L5S1 facet joint arthrosis was observed. Early clinical and radiographic results were good with excellent patient satisfaction.