Abstract
Aim: To analyse the impact of implant position in the outcome of Charite III Disc Replacement implants.
Methodology: 160 Charite III Lumbar Disc Replacements that were implanted between 1990 and 2000. The average age was 46 years with 62 Males and 98 Female subjects. An independent observer (HN) administered Pain score (VAS 1–10) for Low Back Pain (LBP) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). These clinical outcome parameters were compared with coronal and sagittal position of the implants from the latest available radiographs. Those with operation at L3L4 (small numbers = 20) and inadequate radiographs were excluded.
Results: 48 implants were optimally placed and 70 implants were placed sub optimally. Both the groups were in similar age groups (45.02 years, SD 7.61 and 48.31 years, SD 8.04). Clinical: No statistical or clinically significant difference was observed in LBP on VAS (4.92 V/S 4.41), ODI (42.8 V/S 38.0) and in Patient Satisfaction at an average follow up of 70 months. Movements: Average movement at optimally placed discs at L4L5 was 4.4o(95% CI 2.3–6.7) and at L5S1 was 5.9o(95% CI4.2–7.5) and at sub optimally placed disc at L4L5 was 3.8o(95% CI 2.4–5.1) and at L5S1 was 3.8o(95%CI 2.3–5.3).
Conclusions: Clinical and radiological results after Charite III Disc Replacement is NOT dependent on positioning of implants.
Ethics approval: None
Interest Statement: None
Correspondence should be addressed to BASS/BCSS c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
