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J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):28-32

Department of Neurosurgery, Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a well-described surgical approach for symptomatic degenerative cervical disc disease which does not respond to conservative management. In the present study, we assessed clinical presentation and outcomes of ACDF.

Materials And Methods: The present study was conducted from October 1, 2015, to October 31, 2017, in the Department of Neurosurgery, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, among 100 consecutive adult patients who underwent single- or two-level ACDF for degenerative cervical disc disease. Read More

Ther Clin Risk Manag 2019 28;15:531-539. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.

Objectives: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has become an alternative treatment for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. This technique preserves appropriate motion at both the index and adjacent disc levels and consequently may prevent adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). The authors performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of CDA to those of the gold standard, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Read More

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi 2019 Apr;33(4):393-402

Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044,

Objective: To evaluate long-term radiographic and clinical effectiveness of total cervical disc replacement (TDR) with Prodisc-C prosthesis at a minimum of 10 years follow-up.

Methods: The clinical data of 118 patients with cervical disc degeneration disease (CDDD) treated with TDR by using Prodisc-C prosthesis between December 2005 and April 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 66 males and 52 females, with the age of 25-62 years (mean, 46. Read More

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019 Apr;23(2 Suppl):1-5

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy.

Introduction: The leading cause of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis is Staphylococcus aureus, and its incidence is rising, particularly in the elderly. We report an unusual case of cervical spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess mimicking Pott's disease.

Case Report: A 67-year-old man was admitted to our institution with a 15-day history of neck pain radiating to the head, shoulders and left arm that was associated with weakness and paresthesia. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2019 Apr 5. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242.

MINI: The study investigates the association between preoperative chronic opioid therapy on long-term outcomes (reoperations, ED visits, postoperative opioid use, and adverse events)in patients undergoing primary cervical spine arthrodesis using a commercial claims dataset.

Study Design: Retrospective, observational.

Objective: To define the impact of preoperative chronic opioid therapy (COT) on outcomes following cervical spine fusions. Read More

Asian Spine J 2019 Apr 10. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

Neurological Center, American British Cowdry Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico.

Study Design: Prospective case series study.

Purpose: Description of the outcome of stand-alone cervical cages for single and multilevel cervical degenerative spine disease.

Overview Of Literature: The aim of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spine disease is to improve patient symptoms and spine stability and restore lordosis. Read More

Expert Rev Med Devices 2019 Apr 25;16(4):307-315. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

b Department of Orthopedic Surgery , SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , NY , USA.

Introduction: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has become an acceptable alternative for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for a significant patient population with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy secondary to degenerative changes in the cervical spine. There are sufficient mid- and long-term data supporting performance and safety of one-level CDA. With the success of single-level cervical CDA, considerable interest exists about CDA use for multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD). Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2019 Mar 5;63:134-139. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Medical University Innsbruck, Trauma Surgery, Innsbruck, Austria.

Background: Total disc replacement is a possible treatment alternative for patients with degenerative disc disease, especially in the cervical spine. The aim is to restore the physiological flexibility and biomechanical behavior. A new approach based on these requirements is the novel nucleus prosthesis made of knitted titanium wires. Read More

J Small Anim Pract 2019 Mar 13. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire CB8 0UH, UK.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence, clinical findings and predictors of disease in dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia.

Materials And Methods: Medical records of dogs referred for neurological investigation of cervical hyperaesthesia between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were assigned to one of the following groups according to the final diagnosis: Non-Neurologic, Brain, Cervical Spine, Multifocal, and Chiari-like Malformation/Syringomyelia. Read More

BMC Vet Res 2019 Mar 12;15(1):90. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon L. Tharp St, Columbus, OH, USA.

Background: Osseous- associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA-CSM) has a high prevalence in Great Danes. In order to understand the progression of osseous changes, we aimed to perform a long-term computed tomographic (CT) follow-up study of Great Dane dogs with and without OA-CSM. Canine CSM is comparable to a common neurologic disease often diagnosed in older people termed cervical spondylotic myelopathy or degenerative cervical myelopathy, which is progressive in nature. Read More

Ont Health Technol Assess Ser 2019 19;19(3):1-223. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Background: Cervical degenerative disc disease is a multifactorial condition that begins with deterioration of the intervertebral disc and results in further degeneration within the spine involving the facet joints and ligaments. This health technology assessment examined the effectiveness, safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness of cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) versus fusion for treating cervical degenerative disc disease.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence comparing C-ADR with fusion. Read More

SICOT J 2019 Jan 8;5. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Agouza Armed Forces Spine Surgery Center, Farid Shawky Street, Giza, Egypt.

Introduction: Integrated cage and screw designs were introduced for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and allegedly are superior to anterior plating due to their minimal anterior profile.

Methods: A descriptive study was designed as a prospective case series of 25 patients (30 operated discs) with cervical disc disease treated with a zero-profile cage, and followed up for an average of 16 months (range 12 -18 months). Functional assessment was done with the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for arm and neck pain. Read More

J Orthop Surg Res 2019 Mar 4;14(1):71. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Department of Spinal Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Huanghe 2nd Road, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, China.

Background: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is a common spinal disease. The traditional surgical treatment consists of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), but it presents problems such as trauma and fusion complications. Percutaneous posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PPECD) is a new minimally invasive technology that has produced good clinical outcome, but further biomechanical comparisons are needed to guide the clinical work. Read More

World Neurosurg 2019 Feb 26. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Department of Neurosurgery, Buffalo, New York USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Buffalo General Medical Center at Kaleida Health, Buffalo, New York USA. Electronic address:

Background: Botulinum toxin (Botox) has long been used therapeutically to treat a variety of diseases, including migraine headaches, cervical spine dystonia, and chronic cervical spine pain, among many others. Although quite useful, Botox has been reported to cause adverse events, some of which may lead to devastating morbidity.

Case Description: We discuss the case of an elderly woman who had severe neck pain after a motor vehicle collision. Read More

J Lasers Med Sci 2018 28;9(3):188-193. Epub 2018 Jul 28.

Laser Research Center of Dentistry, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Laser irradiation of dentin surface can affect its surface topography and roughness. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is among the most efficient tools for determination of surface topography of natural biomolecules in nano-scales. Surface roughness affects plaque retention especially in the cervical region. Read More

J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 2018 Oct-Dec;9(4):223-226

Department of Orthopedics, Rottal-Inn-Kliniken GmbH, Eggenfelden, Bayern, Germany.

Objective: Anterior cervical arthroplasty (ACA) is the gold standard surgery in severe or unresponsive cases of cervical disc herniation, uncarthrosis, and foraminal stenosis. The aim of this study is to establish the impact and outcome evaluations of managing the patients operated for cervical arthroplasty by the intersomatic porous alumina ceramic cervical cages (PACC). The authors describe their experience in the area to allow the comparison of effectiveness of ceramic cages versus other interbody fusion cages. Read More

BMJ Open 2019 Feb 19;9(2):e027387. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Neuro-Orthopedic Center, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden.

Introduction: Patients suffering from remaining disability after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery for cervical disc disease may be prescribed physical activity (PPA) or neck-specific exercises (NSEs). Currently, we lack data for the success of either approach. There is also a knowledge gap concerning the use of internet-based care for cervical disc disease. Read More

Eur Spine J 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guoxuexiang No. 37, Wuhouqu, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.

Purpose: POEMS syndrome is a rare clonal plasma cell disease characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes. We report a rare case of neurological impairment in patients with concurrent cervical disc herniation and POEMS syndrome.

Methods: A patient presented to a local hospital with C3/4 and C4/5 disc herniation, apparent spinal cord compression concomitant with neurological signs, and concurrent POEMS syndrome. Read More

Spine J 2019 Feb 8. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Rd, Chengdu 610041, China.

Background Context: Surgery for cervical degenerative disc disorder (CDDD) at two noncontiguous segments is infrequent. Few studies have explored the biomechanical effects on the intermediate adjacent segment of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) in this situation. No study has examined biomechanical differences between ACDF and hybrid surgery (HS) constructs for noncontiguous CDDD. Read More

J Orthop Case Rep 2018 Sep-Oct;8(5):11-14

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.

Introduction: Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve is an uncommon but important differential in patients who present with posterior shoulder pain. Frequently misdiagnosed as rotator cuff or cervical disc disease, this increasingly recognized entity can result from traction-related or compression-related etiology. Two sites of compression include the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches with the latter less commonly encountered. Read More

Curr Opin Neurol 2019 Feb 4. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Department of Neurology.

Purpose Of Review: To describe a recently characterized autoimmune, inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder known as autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy.

Recent Findings: Affected patients present with symptoms of one or more of meningitis (headache and neck ache), encephalitis (delirium, tremor, seizures, or psychiatric symptoms), and myelitis (sensory symptoms and weakness). Optic disc papillitis (blurred vision) is common. Read More

Anesth Pain Med 2018 Dec 19;8(6):e84140. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Neurosurgery, Scanmed St. Raphael Hospital, Cracow, Poland.

Background: Daily clinical practice shows us how diametrically different surgical outcomes can occur in particular groups of patients sharing the same diagnosis and being subjected to the same treatment. Patient-reported outcomes appear to be significantly influenced by social factors and patients' emotional status. Data on such variables were collated and analyzed statistically with the aim of confirming our clinical observations. Read More

BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2019 Jan 31;20(1):49. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Rd, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.

Background: Moderately increased motion at the intermediate segment (IS) after skip-level fusion may accelerate disc degeneration. However, limited biomechanical data are available that examine the effects on the IS following cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical changes in the IS of the cervical spine after skip-level fusion or skip-level arthroplasty. Read More

Physiother Theory Pract 2019 Jan 27:1-8. Epub 2019 Jan 27.

a Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden.

Introduction: Symptoms of dizziness or imbalance are often present in individuals with a variety of neck-disorders. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of patient-reported balance problems and dizziness 10-13 years after surgery for cervical degenerative disc disease; evaluate associations with neck pain and health-related quality of life; and investigate how these individuals described dizziness.

Material And Methods: Sixty-eight individuals, 10 years or more after anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery, who previously participated in a randomized controlled trial were included. Read More

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2019 May 25;29(4):767-774. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate its effect on the restoration and maintenance of cervical sagittal alignment in usual cervical degenerative diseases without preoperative sagittal malalignment.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 108 patients who were diagnosed with degenerative cervical disease and underwent ACDF (allograft and plating) with > 1-year follow-up. For radiographic evaluation, we analysed segmental and C2-7 cervical lordosis, disc height, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, and T1 slope minus C2-7 lordosis (T1S - CL) in lateral X-ray. Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2019 Feb 4;62:34-41. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA.

Background: Cervical fusion is associated with adjacent segment degeneration. Cervical disc arthroplasty is considered an alternative to reduce risk of adjacent segment disease. Kinematics after arthroplasty should closely replicate healthy in vivo kinematics to reduce adjacent segment stresses. Read More

J Neurosurg Spine 2019 Jan;30(3):323-331

1Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala.

In BriefIn this study the authors compare cervical arthroplasty with fusion surgery in a randomized controlled trial using patient-reported outcome measures and MRI after 5 years of follow-up. Because the main purpose of arthroplasties is to prevent adjacent-segment pathology, it is important to investigate if that is actually realized in practice. Read More

Neurochirurgie 2019 Feb 8;65(1):27-31. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No. 415, Feng Yang Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China.

Objective: To present the natural course and treatment modalities of spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH), by reporting two rare cases with spontaneous resolution in both clinical and radiologic findings without surgery.

Material And Methods: One patient presenting with acute right side hemiparesis and another showing pure cervical radiculopathy were diagnosed with SCEH on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both were both treated non-operatively. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2019 Jan 7. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Study Design: This study retrospectively analyzes prospectively collected data.

Objective: Here in this study we aim to determine the factors which impact a patient's ability to RTW in the setting of cervical spine surgery in patients without worker's compensation status.

Summary Of Background Data: Surgical management of degenerative cervical disease has proven cost-effectiveness and shown significant improvement in quality of life. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2019 Jan 4. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.

Study Design: A retrospective single-center study.

Objective: This study sought to clarify the risk factors and to evaluate the surgical outcome in patients with rapidly progressive cervical spondylotic myelopathy (rp-CSM).

Summary Of Background Data: CSM is a degenerative spine disease presenting a slow development of myelopathy. Read More

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2019 Mar 21;13:122-126. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI), 1440 Main Street, Suite 201, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA.

Aim: To report a case of bilateral papillitis as the initial ophthalmologic presentation in a patient with complex medical history and multisystemic symptoms, eventually revealing a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Methods: Retrospective interventional case report.

Report: A 54-year-old Caucasian woman presented with bilateral decreased vision, photophobia and eye pain for a month. Read More

Int Orthop 2019 Apr 8;43(4):767-775. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Introduction: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) was developed to decrease the rate of symptomatic adjacent-level disease while preserving motion in the cervical spine.

Methods: The objectives of this paper are to provide criteria for proper patient selection as well as to present a comprehensive literature review of the current evidence for CDA, including randomized studies, the most recent meta-analysis findings, and long-term follow-up clinical trials as well.

Results: Currently, there are several prospective randomized controlled studies of level I of evidence attesting to the safety and efficacy of CDA in the management of cervical spondylotic disease (CSD) for one- or two-level degenerative diseases. Read More

Acta Neurochir Suppl 2019;125:71-78

Department of Neurosurgery, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India.

Aim: In this paper the role of atlantoaxial and multilevel subaxial spinal instability as the primary nodal point of the pathogenesis of degenerative cervical spinal disease-related myelopathy, and the focus of surgical treatment for it, is evaluated.

Materials And Methods: The series analyses the treatment of 73 patients with single or multilevel degenerative cervical spinal disease by fixation of the involved spinal segment(s) alone, aimed at arthrodesis. No bone decompression or disc/osteophyte resection was done. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Dec 21. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

Surgery of Spine and Spinal Cord, Henan Provincial People Hospital, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, China. Electronic address:

Objective: To explore the appropriate range of C0-C2 correction angles by analyzing cervical sagittal alignment parameters and evaluating clinical outcomes.

Methods: The preoperative and postoperative radiographs, visual analogue scale, Japanese Orthopedic Association score, and neck disability index of 65 atlantoaxial dislocation patients were retrospectively collected. The C0-C2 angle, C2-C7 angle, and cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) were measured from the radiographs, and an assessment of cervical degenerative disc disease was made. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2018;1085:187-189

Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder that involves the skin, GI tract, and heart, as well as the eye. It affects approximately 1 in 50,000 people worldwide and is seen twice as frequently in females as in males. Fundus findings include angioid streaks (Fig. Read More

Global Spine J 2018 Dec 24;8(8):776-783. Epub 2018 Apr 24.

The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) demonstrates reliable improvement in neurologic symptoms associated with anterior compression of the cervical spine. There is a paucity of data on outcomes following 4-level ACDFs. Read More

Biomed Pharmacother 2019 Feb 12;110:677-684. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Acupuncture, Qianfo Shan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250014, China.

Cervical spondylosis (CS), which is resulted from degeneration of cervical intervertebral disc, is a common disease seriously threatening human health and quality of life. However, there is still no effective clinic strategies for the treatment of this disease. The acupoint stimulation with needle-scalpel is a widely used approach to treat orthopedic diseases. Read More

J Spine Surg 2018 Sep;4(3):522-528

East Coast Orthopedics, Pompano, FL, USA.

Background: Due to increased postoperative complications with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), there has been an increasing interest in the use of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). Advancements in prosthetic designs and techniques have improved patient reported outcome measurements and minimized revision rates. There is a paucity in the literature regarding recent trends in CDA utilization and revision rates. Read More

Neurospine 2018 Dec 14;15(4):296-305. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), or total disc replacement, has emerged as an option in the past two decades for the management of 1- and 2-level cervical disc herniation and spondylosis causing radiculopathy, myelopathy, or both. Multiple prospective randomized controlled trials have demonstrated CDA to be as safe and effective as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which has been the standard of care for decades. Moreover, CDA successfully preserved segmental mobility in the majority of surgical levels for 5-10 years. Read More

J Pain Res 2018 14;11:2853-2857. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Care, Virginia iSpine Physicians, PC Virginia Spine Research Institute, Inc Richmond, VA, USA.

Cervical intervertebral disc has long been considered a common source of neck pain. However, the pain caused by the disc itself has not been clearly defined so far, and its diagnosis and treatment has always been controversial. Degenerative cervical disc has a rich supply of nerve fibers, is prone to inflammatory reactions, and is susceptible to pain that can be provoked by disc stimulation or distention, and can be eliminated by block. Read More

Neurospine 2018 Dec 9;15(4):376-382. Epub 2018 Sep 9.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with inpatient admission following 2-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). A secondary aim was to compare outcomes between those treated on an inpatient versus outpatient basis.

Methods: Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of each variable on inpatient or outpatient selection for surgery. Read More

PLoS One 2018 29;13(11):e0208255. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America.

Background: The spectrum of motor neuron disease (MND) includes numerous phenotypes with various life expectancies. The degree of upper and lower motor neuron involvement can impact prognosis. Phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) imaging has been shown to detect in vivo gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy in the spinal cord of other patient populations but has not been explored in MND. Read More

J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2019 Jan 30;62(1):83-89. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Department of Neurosurgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Objective: This study is a retrospective cost-benefit analysis of cervical anterior interbody fusion and cervical artificial disc replacement, which are the main surgical methods to treat degenerative cervical disc disease.

Methods: We analyzed 156 patients who underwent anterior cervical disc fusion and cervical artificial disc replacement from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009, diagnosed with degenerative cervical disc disorder. In this study, the costs and benefits were analyzed by using quality adjusted life year (QALY) as the outcome index for patients undergoing surgery, and a Markov model was used for the analysis. Read More

J Neurosurg Spine 2018 11;30(2):159-167

Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala.

OBJECTIVE: The long-term efficacy of artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery compared with fusion after decompression for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy has not previously been investigated in a population-based setting. METHODS: All patients with cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy who were in the national Swedish Spine Registry (Swespine) beginning in January 1, 2006, were eligible for the study. Follow-up information was obtained up to November 15, 2017. Read More

Asian Spine J 2019 Apr 27;13(2):225-232. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong.

Study Design: A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with standalone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of stand-alone PEEK cage in 2-level cervical interbody fusion for CSM.

Overview Of Literature: ACDF is a standard surgical procedure to treat degenerative disc disease. Read More

Int Orthop 2019 Apr 23;43(4):987-993. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.

Purpose: Adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) and disease (ASDis) have become major concerns after fusion surgery. However, there is no definitive data or knowledge about the incidence or risk factors. The review discusses the incidence and risk factors and prevention of ASDeg and ASDis in the relevant literature. Read More

J Pediatr 2019 Mar 19;206:212-216. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Objective: To review pediatric idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification (PIIVDC) within a single center and within the literature to outline the disease course, management, and outcome.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review was performed spanning the period between January 2001 and February 2016 for diagnoses of PIIVDC. Patient age, sex, symptoms, and history and physical and neurologic findings were reviewed. Read More

World Neurosurg 2019 Feb 17;122:360-363. Epub 2018 Nov 17.

Department of Neurosurgery, Saint-Luc Hospital, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address:

Background: Cervical total disc arthroplasty (TDA), or cervical artificial disc replacement, is an alternative technique to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for treatment of symptomatic degenerative cervical spine disease. The main goal of TDA is to maintain cervical motion and lower the risk of deterioration of adjacent levels. Granuloma formation on a cervical TDA is exceptional. Read More

Global Spine J 2018 Oct 19;8(7):703-708. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Hospital Lillebælt, Middelfart, Denmark.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: It is estimated that 10 000 patients seek medical care due to cervical radiculopathy every year in Denmark. Although the natural course is usually favorable, around 20% undergo surgery for cervical degenerative disease every year in Denmark. Read More

World Neurosurg 2019 Feb 9;122:e1083-e1089. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Department of Operation Room, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Objective: To present a long-term clinical and radiographic comparison between the Prestige LP cervical disc replacement and the Zero-P spacer cervical disc fusion in the treatment of patients with symptomatic 2-level cervical degenerative disease.

Methods: In total, 36 patients in the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) group and 24 patients in the cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) group were analyzed before surgery and at 1 week and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery. Clinical assessments included the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, visual analog scale, and Neck Disability Index scores. Read More