ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Studies, concerning the late results of operative treatment of cervical discal hernias with following fusion, display accelerated degeneration of adjacent intervertebral levels. Aiming at preserving the normal bio-mechanics of the operated level and improving the late postoperative results, functional disc prostheses were created. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors present three patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis, where a new operative technique was used: discectomy with implantation of a cervical disc prosthesis - Bryan, Medtronic. Following the standard anterior discectomy and choosing a prosthesis with gravitational system the work instruments are calibrated. After the centre of the disc space has been determined, different profiled borrs are introduced consecutively for providing concavity of the disc surface of the vertebra, strictly corresponding to the shape of disc prosthesis. RESULTS: The results from the operative treatment at the three patients are encouraging: regression of the subjective complaints and neurological symptoms. The dynamic cervical spondilar X-rays show preserved volume of the movements at the operated level. CONCLUSION: The cervical discectomy with implantation of functional disc prosthesis is an alternative of the standard anterior discectomy with corporodesis in young patients.
