RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Long-Term Results of Charité Lumbar Disc Replacement: A 17-Year Follow-Up in a Workers’ Compensation Cohort
JF International Journal of Spine Surgery
JO Int J Spine Surg
FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
SP 8345
DO 10.14444/8345
A1 Carlson, Jack
A1 Giblin, Matthew
YR 2022
UL https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2022/09/07/8345.abstract
AB Background Lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) is an alternative to lumbar fusion for the management of degenerative disc disease. This study aims to provide insight into the long-term clinical outcomes of lumbar TDR with a mean follow-up of 17.2 years in a group of workers’ compensation patients.Methods A total of 26 workers’ compensation patients with radiographically confirmed discogenic low back pain were treated with the Charité total lumbar disc replacement. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were assessed before and after the surgery. At follow-up, patients were assessed on quality of life, employment, further lumbar spine surgeries, and associated complications. Simple nonparametric statistical analysis was performed by the first author using Microsoft Excel.Results Sixteen patients (62%) were able to be contacted with a mean follow-up time of 17.2 years. VAS scores at 17 years were significantly lower than their preoperation level. Of those 16 patients, 81% returned to work and worked for an average of 9.1 years after surgery. Additionally, 6 (38%) patients underwent further lumbar spinal surgery, of whom 4 underwent fusions of the adjacent segment. Nearly all patients (94%) were satisfied with the surgery.Conclusion This study suggests lumbar TDR may be a useful treatment for degenerative disc disease in select workers’ compensation patients.Clinical Relevance Clinically relevant improvements in pain and employment can be achieved with the charite lumbar TDR in the treatment of degenerative disc disease in workers' compensation patients. These results are sustained over the long term.Level of Evidence 4.