Purpose of Technology

Artificial disc replacement has been developed as a clinical alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The artificial disc is intended to relieve pain, restore disc height, maintain motion of the natural spine, and prevent degeneration of adjacent discs.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• How does TDR compare with ACDF with regard to improvement in signs and symptoms of cervical DDD?
• How does TDR compare with ACDF with regard to impact on quality of life?
• How does TDR compare with ACDF with regard to operative complications and long-term safety, including development of adjacent joint degeneration?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria for TDR been established?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Monday, June 20th, 2011 at 12:00 pm.