Published online Nov 6, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i21.5284
Peer-review started: May 6, 2020
First decision: August 23, 2020
Revised: September 5, 2020
Accepted: September 16, 2020
Article in press: September 16, 2020
Published online: November 6, 2020
Anterior bone loss (ABL) after cervical disc replacement (CDR) has attracted considerable concern in recent years. Whether ABL is a radiological anomaly or a complication remains unknown.
Several studies have reported the prevalence, impacts, and outcomes of ABL. However, an overall understanding of ABL is lacking.
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate ABL after CDR.
A systematic review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guideline.
The prevalence of ABL ranges from 3.13% to 91.89%, and multilevel surgery may be one of the risk factors for ABL. ABL occurred within 6 mo postoperatively and stopped after 1 year. Severe cases may result in kyphosis, implant subsidence, and neck pain.
ABL is a common condition after CDR. ABL should be considered a complication after CDR due to its clinical impacts.
Further studies should clarify the relationship between ABL and adjacent segment degeneration. Further studies on the mechanism and risk factors for ABL are needed. The method used to measure ABL should be improved.