NuNec™ Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Improves Quality of Life in Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy: A 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical disc replacement is an alternative to fusion for the treatment of selected cases of radiculopathy and myelopathy. We report clinical and radiological outcomes after disc replacement with the NuNec (TM) artificial cervical disc (Pioneer (R) Surgical Technology, Marquette, Michigan) with subgroup analysis. OBJECTIVE: To review clinical and radiological outcomes after anterior cervical disc replacement with the NuNec (TM) artificial cervical disc. METHODS: A consecutive case series of patients undergoing cervical disc replacement with the NuNec (TM) artificial disc was conducted. Clinical outcomes were assessed by questionnaires preoperatively and up to 2 yr postoperatively including neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index, Euroqol 5-dimensions, and Short Form-36; x-rays from the same period were analyzed for range of movement and presence of heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: A total of 44 NuNec (TM) discs were implanted in 33 patients. Clinical improvements were seen in all outcomes; significant improvements on the Neck Disability Index, Euroqol 5-dimensions, and physical domain of the Short Form-36 were maintained at 2 yr. There was a mean of 4(c) range of movement at the replacement disc level at 2 yr, a significant reduction from baseline; there was also progression in levels of heterotopic ossification. Complications included temporary dysphagia (10%) and progression of disease requiring foraminotomy (6%); no surgery for adjacent level disease was required. There was no significant difference in the outcomes of the radiculopathy and myelopathy groups. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes using the NuNec (TM) disc replacement are comparable with other disc replacements. Although the range of movement is reduced, the reoperation rate is very low.