A meta-analysis comparing total disc arthroplasty with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases

6 clinical studies (n=2121 patients) were included in this meta-analysis for the purpose of comparing safety and efficacy of total disc arthroplasty (TDA) as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases. Clinical outcomes of interest included parameters such as overall success, neurological success, requirement of reoperation, and occurrence of adverse events up to 24 months post-surgery. Pooled analyses demonstrated that patients undergoing TDA were associated with significantly improved overall/neurological success while having significantly reduced reoperations at the index levels and occurrence of dysphagia and dysphonia. All other outcomes of interest were observed as comparable between study groups.