Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or herniated cervical disc in the neck and replacing it with an artificial disc.

Procedure

Treatment

Symptoms

Causes

The causes of a herniated or degenerated cervical disc may vary, but can include aging, wear and tear, or injury.

The symptoms may include neck pain, arm pain, weakness or numbness in the arms or hands, and difficulty with fine motor skills.

Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections may be recommended as a first-line treatment. However, if these treatments do not provide relief, cervical disc replacement may be considered.

During a cervical disc replacement surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck and carefully moves aside the muscles and tissues to access the damaged disc. The damaged disc is then removed and replaced with an artificial disc made of metal or plastic. The incision is then closed and the patient is monitored in the recovery room.

Recovery

What are the risks?

Who needs it?

Cervical disc replacement may be recommended for individuals who have a herniated or degenerated cervical disc and have not responded to non-surgical treatments. Candidates for cervical disc replacement must have a healthy bone structure and must not have significant spinal deformities.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with cervical disc replacement. These risks may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and spinal cord injury. Additionally, there is a risk of the artificial disc moving out of place or wearing down over time.

Recovery time following cervical disc replacement may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. In general, patients may need to wear a neck brace for several weeks to help support the neck while it heals. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore strength and flexibility to the neck.