Risk factors for anterior bone loss in cervical disc replacements

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Anterior bone loss is common, although most is mild. Age, sex, post-operative alignment, range of movement and mid-flexion point do not relate to this phenomenon. However, the greater the number of levels operated, the higher the risk of developing ABL. The development of ABL has no long-term effect on the mechanical functioning of the disc or necessity for revision surgery, although it may increase the rate of auto-fusion.

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