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The Role of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty in Elite Athletes

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc herniations (CDH) is a promising treatment for professional athletes. In recent years, a number of high-profile athletes have returned to professional play within three months after CDA, raising important questions about the potential of this procedure within this patient group. We provide the first comprehensive review of available literature for the safety and efficacy of CDA in professional contact sport athletes.

Recent Findings

CDA provides theoretical biomechanical advantages over anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior foraminotomy (PF), as CDA is the only operation for treatment of CDH that provides neural decompression, stability and height restoration, with preserved range of motion. While the comparative long-term results from each procedure are unknown, CDA has provided encouraging promise in its use in professional contact athletes.

Summary

We aim to aid ongoing discussions regarding the controversies in spine surgery for professional athletes by providing a scientific review of the available evidence-based literature involving cervical disc arthroplasty in this population. In general, we believe that CDA is a viable alternative to ACDF and PF for the contact professional athlete who requires full neck range of motion and desires an expedited return to play. For collision athletes, the short- and long-term safety and efficacy profile of this procedure is promising but still unclear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Simpson Querrey Institute (SQI), Northwestern University, 1838 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, USA

    Hogan Brecount, Alyssa Goodwin, David M. Hiltzik & Wellington K. Hsu

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, 1838 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, USA

    Hogan Brecount, Alyssa Goodwin, David M. Hiltzik & Wellington K. Hsu

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Contributions

Dr. Hogan Brecount – idea generation, manuscript research and writing

Alyssa Goodwin – manuscript research and writing

Dr. David Hiltzik – manuscript research, writing and preparation

Dr. Wellington Hsu – idea generation, manuscript editing

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Correspondence to David M. Hiltzik.

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Dr. Hogan Brecount – No conflicts; Alyssa Goodwin – No conflicts; Dr. David Hiltzik – No conflicts; Dr. Wellington Hsu – Advisory board member of Stryker, Medtronic, Asahi, Bioventus.

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Brecount, H., Goodwin, A., Hiltzik, D.M. et al. The Role of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty in Elite Athletes. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 16, 432–437 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-023-09858-8

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