Periprosthetic Osteolysis in Cervical Total Disc Arthroplasty: A Single Institutional Experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) affords an excellent alternative to cervical fusion for the treatment of symptomatic patients with degenerative disc disease. As more surgeons perform CDAs, an understanding of the complications associated with this technique is crucial. Periprosthetic osteolysis (PO) is a rare potential complication associated with CDA. OBJECTIVE To highlight potential complications associated with CDA. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent CDA at our institution was performed. Patient outcomes and relevant clinical and radiographical data were analyzed in addition to associated complications. Explanted devices were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic analyses. RESULTS A total of 88 patients were included: 68 patients underwent 1-level CDA and 20 patients had 2-level CDA. Implants used in this series included Mobi-C (Zimmer Biomet), Prestige LP (Medtronic), Secure C (Globus), Advent (Orthofix), and ProDisc C (DePuy). One patient demonstrated symptoms of myeloradiculopathy that correlated with radiographical periprosthetic osteolysis and required surgical intervention in the form of disc explantation, corpectomy, and cervical instrumented fusion. Device retrieval analysis demonstrated evidence of elevated oxidation levels and increased wear in the presence of high concentrations of metal ions and debris in the surrounding tissue. The tissue did not exhibit any immune response, infection, or acute inflammation. CONCLUSION PO is a potential complication of CDA that occurs irrespective of the type of implant used. We describe its occurrence and management and highlight the importance of being aware of this understated phenomenon.