Ain Shams experience with total inter-vertebral DISC prosthesis with 30 months follow up

ABSTRACT

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is the most common cause of low back pain. Continuous researches for an alternative option to surgical fusion have been successfully run over the last two decades. That resulted in total intervertebral disc prosthesis for treatment of disc degeneration with motion segment preservation. The aim of this study is evaluation of the short term results of lumbar intervertebral disc prosthesis in treatment of degenerative lumbar disc disease in selected cases. This prospective study was carried out at Ain Shams University hospital in the period between August 2000 and March 2005.on 16 patients with disabling low back pain due to degenerative disc disease. Seven of them have also sciatica. The patients were selected according to 1- the age between 22 -48 years 2-chronic disc disease presented by severe low back pain with or without sciatica 3- good bone quality 4-all had moderate to severe degrees of disability according to the modified Stauffer and Coventry Scoring system which have not improved by medical treatment and physiotherapy. All patients have been treated by total disc replacement [SB Charite] after complete clinical, radiological investigation that included stress X-ray films and MRI study. One level replacement was done in 12 patients and double levels replacement were done in four patients'.The total number of the disc prostheses used in this study were twenty prostheses. The operation was done through an anterior retroperitoneal approach in 15 cases and through transperitoneal approach in 1 case. The patients were followed up for an average period of 30 months [range 7-60 months]. The results were evaluated according to modified Stauffer and Coventerey. The patients were satisfied with the results. All have resumed the pre-disease activities and duties although two patients had low back pain that needs mild anti-inflammatory medications in low doses. Two patients have a displaced prosthesis [off-position from the mid-line in antero-posterior view only while the saggital view position was perfect in these patients like others]. No major complications were recorded in relation to the surgical approach or to the prosthesis during surgery or immediately after; also no complications were reported in relation to the position of the prosthesis or its integrity and stability, and no ossification in the surgical bed, were detected in the follow up period up to 60 months in the early inserted prosthesis. Although the number of cases in this study is limited and the follow up period is short, the maximum follow up period is five years the results are satisfactory to the surgeons and to the patients. Comparing this results in relation to the activities and duties before surgery and in relation to the results and complications after spinal fusion surgery with its passive effect on the discs above and blow the fused segment. So the articulating disc prosthesis can be a successful solution for treatment of degenerative and prolapsed disc in well selected patients