Medium-term outcomes of artificial disc replacement for severe cervical disc narrowing

Objective: To determine if the Bryan cervical disc prosthesis could relieve objective neurological symptoms, signs, and restore mobility in patients with severe cervical disc narrowing. Methods: Clinical data of thirty-two patients underwent Bryan cervical disc replacement has been collected from April 2006 to February 2010. Severe cervical disc narrowing with grade V disc degeneration were included in this study. Bryan cervical disc prostheses have been implanted through anterior approach. Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale, Odom's scale, and flexion-extension radiological follow-ups were applied for evaluations. Results: A total of 41 Bryan disc prostheses from 32 patients with an average follow-up duration of 33.5 months (range 23 to 44 months) were evaluated. Clinical functions of patients were significantly improved. Preoperative averaged visual analog scale score of 6.3±2.2 was decreased to 1.3±1.2 (at 36 months, P