Effect of uncovertebral joint excision on the motion response of the cervical spine after total disc replacement.
METHODS
In vitro biomechanical study.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify the effects of uncinatectomy on cervical motion after total disc replacement (TDR).


BACKGROUND
The effect of uncinatectomy on TDR motion is unknown. Partial uncinatectomy may be required to decompress the foramen; however, the residual uncinates can potentially limit TDR motion and serve as a source of progressive spondylosis. Complete resection of the uncinates may decrease this risk yet endanger destabilizing the segment.


METHODS
Seven human cervical spines (C3-C7) (age, 63.4 +/- 6.9 years) were tested first intact and then after implantation of a metal-on-polyethylene ball-and-socket semiconstrained prosthesis at C5-C6. Following this, gradually increased uncinatectomy was performed in the following order: 1) right partial-posteromedial (two thirds), 2) right complete, and 3) bilateral complete resection. Specimens were tested in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation (+/-1.5 Nm). Flexion-extension was tested under 150 N follower preload.


RESULTS
TDR without uncinatectomy increased C5-C6 flexion-extension range of motion from 8.4 degrees +/- 3.5 degrees to 11.6 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees, but statistical significance was not reached (P > 0.05). Lateral bending decreased from 6.2 degrees +/- 2.2 degrees to 3.1 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees, with a trend for statistical significance (P = 0.07). Axial rotation decreased from 5.5 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees to 4.3 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees after the implantation (P > 0.05). Both right partial and right complete uncinatectomy resulted in nearly symmetrical restoration of lateral bending to intact values and significantly increased flexion-extension compared with intact (P < or = 0.05); however, axial rotation still did not differ from intact (P > 0.05). Complete bilateral resection also restored lateral bending to intact values (7.3 degrees +/- 2.7 degrees, P > 0.05); however, it resulted in significant increase in range of motion in flexion-extension (14.1 degrees +/- 3.0 degrees, P < or = 0.05) and axial rotation (8.7 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees, P < or = 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Unilateral complete or even partial uncinatectomy can normalize lateral bending after TDR. Bilateral complete uncinatectomy is not necessary to restore lateral bending and may result in significantly increased range of motion in flexion-extension and axial rotation compared with intact values.
Snyder
Joshua T
JT
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
Tzermiadianos
Michael N
MN
Ghanayem
Alexander J
AJ
Voronov
Leonard I
LI
Rinella
Anthony
A
Dooris
Andrew
A
Carandang
Gerard
G
Renner
Susan M
SM
Havey
Robert M
RM
Patwardhan
Avinash G
AG
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*