Spinal Motion Study – Cervical Disc Arthroplasty - Rick Sasso, MD

An article that I co-authored, published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, summarized a study on cervical spinal motion at the adjacent discs (adjacent segment motion) following spinal arthroplasty with a Bryan Cervical Disc as compared to a spinal fusion. Radiographic analysis was used to measure this motion prior to surgery, and at designated intervals post-surgery.

The overall purpose of this study was to determine the quality of motion of the spine patient following cervical arthroplasty with a Bryan Cervical Disc (type of cervical artificial disc) at the surgical site, and at discs adjacent to the spine surgery site. This study showed that patients who underwent traditional spinal fusion had a significant decrease in motion at the surgical site (where the affected spinal disc was repaired) as compared to those patients who underwent spinal arthroplasty.

For an abstract of this study, visit this link.