The Future of Arthroplasty in the Spine

• DOI: 10.14444/8737
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T15:37:02Z
• Authors: Matthew Scott-Young; Oscar L. Alves

The evolution of spinal arthroplasty, a significant journey that began in the 1960s and 1970s, has seen remarkable progress. Initially designed to preserve motion at segments avoid complications associated with fusion surgeries, early designs faced setbacks due rudimentary concepts limited materials. However, 1980s marked turning point development modern total disc replacement concepts, utilizing advanced materials such as titanium polyethylene improve implant longevity integration. 2000s saw crucial approvals by U.S. Food Drug Administration, leading broader clinical adoption.By 2010s, cervical arthroplasty (CDA) had been refined through innovations patient-specific implants integration robotics surgical navigation. Cervical lumbar are effective alternatives fusion, particularly preserving reducing adjacent segment disease. Ongoing research continues focus on viscoelastic biologics enhance outcomes, providing reassurance about continuous improvement instilling optimism its future.Selecting patients for is critical process requires careful consideration. Ideal candidates display symptoms unresponsive conservative treatments, have adequate height, possess good bone quality. As typically preserves motion, it less suited severe joint diseases or stiffness. This emphasis patient selection underscores need thorough evaluation importance considering individual factors.Despite benefits, adoption faces barriers high costs, stringent inclusion criteria, specialized training. Overcoming these advocacy, improved training, potentially revising criteria ensure more can benefit from treatments. future looks promising, potential advancements biokinetics, biomaterials, application minimally invasive techniques. ongoing promises outcomes significantly quality life, offering hope better arthroplasty.