Fusion versus disk replacement for degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine: quid est testimonium?

Thomas J Kishen; Ashish D Diwan

doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2009.12.002

Fusion versus disk replacement for degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine: quid est testimonium?

Orthop Clin North Am. 2010 Apr;41(2):167-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2009.12.002.

Authors

Thomas J Kishen¹, Ashish D Diwan

Affiliation

¹ Spine Service, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St George Hospital and Clinical School, University of New South Wales, 53 Montgomery Street, Kogarah, New South Wales 2217, Australia.

PMID: 20399356
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2009.12.002

Abstract

This article compares the outcomes following spinal fusion and disk replacement for degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine. The short-term outcomes of lumbar and cervical total disk replacement are equivalent to that following spinal fusion. Long-term follow-up studies of total disk replacement are necessary to confirm its potential benefit in reducing or preventing adjacent level degeneration. Also discussed is the philosophy of the surgical management of degenerative conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Cervical Vertebrae*
Chronic Disease
Humans
Intervertebral Disc / surgery*
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / economics
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / surgery*
Low Back Pain / surgery
Lumbar Vertebrae*
Prostheses and Implants
Prosthesis Design
Prosthesis Implantation* / economics
Spinal Fusion* / economics
Treatment Outcome