[The role of artificial disc replacement in restoring lumbar segment motion and intervertebral height].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of artificial disc replacement (ADR) in restoring lumbar segment motion and intervertebral height (IH).


METHODS
Seventy-five patients with intervertebral disc diseases underwent artificial disc replacement and were divided into 3 groups to be followed up for 2 years (group A, n = 32), 3 years (group B, n = 27), and 5 years (group C, n = 19) respectively. Before the operation and during the follow-up the range of motion (ROM) of the involved lumbar segments and IH were assessed.


RESULTS
The mean ROM and IH of the group A were 15 degrees and 14.1 mm respectively during the follow-up 2 years after operation. The mean ROM and IH of the group B were 14.2 degrees and 13.8 mm respectively during the follow-up 2 years after the operation and 13.7 degrees and 13.4 mm respectively during the follow-up 3 years after operation. The mean ROM and IH of the group C were 9.1 degrees and 11.5 mm respectively during the follow-up 2 years after the operation and 8.8 degrees and 11.0 mm respectively during the follow-up 3 years after operation, and 8.0 degrees and 10.3 mm respectively during the follow-up 5 years after operation. No significant differences in ROM and IH were found among different groups at any time point (all P > 0.05). Malposition was found in immediately after operation in 11 patients, all of the group C. During the follow-up, 3 cases of prostheses subsidence and 3 cases of annular ossification were found. No severe complications appeared.


CONCLUSIONS
ADR is effective in restoring the ROM and IH of vertebrae suffering from intervertebral disc diseases.
Liu
Shang-Li
SL
Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
Huang
Dong-Sheng
DS
Liang
An-Jing
AJ
Ye
Wei
W
Li
Chun-Hai
CH
Ma
Ruo-Fan
RF
D000328:Adult; D017586:Diskectomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects