Two-year follow-up results of C2/3 Prestige-LP cervical disc replacement: first report

A 49-year-old female patient presented multilevel cervical disc herniation with persisting neurological signs since 16 months ago. Mild spondylotic changes in segments C2/3 and C5/6 were detected on plain films. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed multilevel cervical disc herniation (C2/3, C3/4, C4/5, C5/6), compromising the neural foramen at the left C3 and C6 nerve roots seriously. A double-level cervical disc replacement C2/3 and C5/6 was performed to relief her pain. The surgery was carried out on a classic right approach after induction of general anesthesia. In this case, a 5(star)14 mm Prestige-LP was implanted in C2-3 and a 5(star)16 mm Prestige-LP was implanted in C5-6. Postoperative complications such as hoarseness, dysphagia, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and malposition of the prosthesis were not found. The patient' clinical symptoms were totally relieved 6 months after surgery. The 24 months postoperative X-ray showed the good position of the implant, a satisfying cervical range of motion and cervical lordosis. The preliminary clinical and radiographic results of C2/3 Prestige-LP cervical disc replacement are good. In our opinion a good exposure is half of the success of CDR C2/3 and transnasal intubation anesthesia is recommended to achieve a larger exposed space. In most cases mandibulectomy is not needed. With a minor follow-up of 24 months, the clinical and radiographic results of this case are good and larger studies with longer follow-up duration are warranted to explore the safety and effectiveness of CDR C2/3.