Cervical disc arthroplasty tops ACDF for single-level cervical Dz

(HealthDay)—For patients with single-level symptomatic cervical disc disease, cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is associated with lower readmission rates, lower reoperation rates, and reduced costs compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), according to research published in the April 15 issue of Spine.

Kris Radcliff, M.D., from the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of costs and outcomes for patients with single-level symptomatic cervical disc disease, aged 18 to 60 years, treated with CDA or ACDF. Data were included for 6,635 ACDF patients and 327 CDA patients.

The researchers observed no significant between-group differences in the incidence of comorbidities or mean follow-up time. The reoperation rate was significantly increased in the ACDF versus CDA group by 36 months postoperatively (10.5 versus 5.7 percent; hazard ratio, 0.0214). The CDA group had significantly lower index surgery and 90-day global window costs. In CDA patients there was a statistically significant reduction in total costs paid by insurer ($34,979, versus $39,820 for ACDF) at final follow-up.

"CDA was effective in reducing the monthly cost of care compared with ACDF," the authors write.

Relevant financial activities outside the submitted work were disclosed: consultancy, royalties, meeting expenses, employment.

Copyright © 2015 HealthDay. All rights reserved.