The Role for Cervical Arthroplasty for Symptomatic Cervical Stenosis: Indicated for a Single-Level Cervical Disc Herniation Causing Stenosis with Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy can be successfully treated by artificial disk replacement; however, it is extremely important to understand the appropriate indications. The suitable situation is quite narrow—a focal disc herniation without retrovertebral compression, without significant facet pathology, and without multilevel stenosis. It is critical to recognize the contraindications for cervical arthroplasty. The vast majority of patients with myelopathy are not candidates for cervical arthroplasty due to multilevel pathology or significant degeneration.

Keywords: cervical spine, myelopathy, artificial disc replacement, herniated nucleus pulposus