Purpose of review: The present article reviews the most recent research into the rationale, patient selection, clinical results and complication profile of cervical arthroplasty.

Recent findings: Recent results of prospective randomized control trials comparing cervical disc replacement and anterior fusion have demonstrated safety as well as equal or superior clinical results. In vivo kinematic studies have suggested decreased rates of adjacent segment disease following disc replacement. Increasingly, more studies are examining the complication profile and emerging contra-indications for cervical disc replacement.

Summary: Cervical arthroplasty is a promising technique in that is undergoing rapid refinement and development. Further long-term data is eagerly awaited before the role in prevention of adjacent segment disease can be proven.

Keywords: Cervical arthroplasty, complications, artificial cervical disc, kinematics, clinical outcomes, kyphosis