Analysis of spinal kinematics following implantation of lumbar spine disc prostheses versus fusion: radiological study.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective controlled study comparing lumbar spine disc replacement versus fusion for monosegmental degenerative disc disease (DDD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA AND OBJECTIVE: Fusion has been reported to be the standard therapy by DDD of the lumbar spine. Due to unsatisfactory long-term results of fusion by progressive adjacent level degeneration, disc replacement was developed and thought to reduce pain while restoring disc height and motion at the affected level. The expected long-term advantage of disc replacement over fusion is the preservation of motion. This again is very difficult to judge; therefore the aim of the current study was to analyze segmental motion following disc replacement versus fusion.

METHODS

Patients meeting inclusion criteria were consented for the study. This analysis includes data up to 12 months from the first included patients. There were 13 patients who underwent disc replacement, and 11 patients had fusion procedures. Radiostereometric analysis was done 1 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mobility provocation RSA showed a significant segmental motion in the disc replacement group in comparison to fusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Disc replacement using Active L prostheses preserves segmental motion during the period examination time of 12 months.