Clinical outcome of monosegmental total disc replacement for lumbar disc disease with ball-and-socket prosthesis (Maverick): prospective study with four-year follow-up.

Background: Arthrodesis is considered to be the reference treatment for degenerative disc disease (DDD), if the symptoms are refractory to conservative management. The drawback of arthrodesis is, besides a percentage of non-union, the reduced mobility that might generate an increased load and risk for degeneration of the adjacent levels. Total disc replacement (TDR) implants may overcome this problem.