This is the first study to report the long-term results of artificial disc replacement(ADR). The Prodisc implant was used in each case. Sixty-four patients were followed between seven and eleven years after ADR implantation. Patients included men and women ages 25 to 65. The longest study to report results up until now has been 4.3 years.
Measures of success included pain level, X-ray findings, need for pain relievers, and disability (mental or physical). Patient satisfaction with results was also measured. The researchers looked at the effect of age, gender, and how many discs were replaced on the results.
They found older patients had less pain and better function after surgery. Older was defined as 45 years old and older. Men and women had equal results although women saw themselves as more disabled before surgery than men did. Single and multiple level disc replacements had equal results.
The authors say more time is really needed to see the long-term results of ADR. A study is needed comparing patients with ADR versus patients with spinal fusion. For now they know the Prodisc device can apparently be used at multiple levels with just as good of results as a single level implant.