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Applications of Prostheses and Fusion in the Cervical Spine

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European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology

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Abstract

Cervical and lumbar fusions are well-established procedures for the treatment of a wide range of spinal disorders. Whilst both have a good record of success, there are concerns about the impact of spinal fusion on movement and the biomechanical effects upon the remainder of the spine, particularly the levels adjacent to the fusion.

Although many indications for spinal fusion would be contra-indications for intervertebral disc arthroplasty, the particular indication of degenerative disc disease allows for both forms of treatment. Intervertebral disc replacement is relatively new and as yet unproven in the long term, but there has been a great trend towards arthroplasty in the last 15–20 years.

The history of spinal fusion is considered, the design and development of the prosthetic disc replacements described, and the current evidence for both procedures outlined. The success rates, complications and impact upon the spine as a whole will be compared.

The anterior surgical procedures for fusion and arthroplasty are almost identical, but fusion can also be performed through posterior and posterolateral approaches. For the purposes of this chapter only the anterior surgical approaches will be covered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK

    Robert W. Marshall

  2. Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel

    Neta Raz

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  1. Robert W. Marshall
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  2. Neta Raz
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Correspondence to Robert W. Marshall .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, United Kingdom

    George Bentley

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Marshall, R.W., Raz, N. (2014). Applications of Prostheses and Fusion in the Cervical Spine. In: Bentley, G. (eds) European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34746-7_215

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34746-7_215

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