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Cervical disc arthroplasty: tips and tricks

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Abstract

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is a powerful, motion-sparing treatment option for managing cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. While CDA can be an excellent surgery for properly indicated patients, it is also less forgiving than cervical fusion. Optimally resolving patient symptoms while maintaining range of motion relies on near perfection in the surgical technique. Different CDA options exist on the market, with some having long-term proven success and others in early stages of clinical trials. We discuss the different options available for use, as well as strategies of positioning, approach, disc space preparation, implantation, and fusion prevention that we believe can help improve performance and outcomes of CDA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Melvin C. Makhni

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Daniel and Jane Och Spine Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

    Joseph A. Osorio, Paul J. Park, Joseph M. Lombardi & Kiehyun Daniel Riew

Authors
  1. Melvin C. Makhni
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  2. Joseph A. Osorio
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  3. Paul J. Park
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  4. Joseph M. Lombardi
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  5. Kiehyun Daniel Riew
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Correspondence to Melvin C. Makhni.

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Makhni, M.C., Osorio, J.A., Park, P.J. et al. Cervical disc arthroplasty: tips and tricks. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 43, 777–783 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-4259-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-4259-2

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