Cochrane in CORR ^® : Arthroplasty Versus Fusion in Single-level Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Excerpt

Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related degenerative condition that affects the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and associated ligaments of the cervical spine [17]. By age 60, 95% of men and 70% of women show radiographic evidence of cervical spondylosis [9], and approximately 8% have MRI evidence of early spinal cord compression [13]. Patients may present with varying combinations of radiculopathy, progressive myelopathy, and axial neck pain [6]. For those who fail to improve with conservative management, decompression through anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is an established and effective surgical option [8]. Following fusion, however, compensatory changes at adjacent spinal levels may lead to accelerated degeneration and recurrence of symptoms. Estimates of the clinical importance and prevalence of adjacent segment disease are highly variable [8]. …