Cervical Arthroplasty: What You Need to Know
Neck pain that spreads into your arms, hands, or shoulders can make daily life hard. You might notice numbness, tingling, or weakness that doesn’t improve with rest or physical therapy.
If you’re dealing with these symptoms, you may be considering cervical arthroplasty as a treatment option.
Cervical arthroplasty is a procedure that replaces a damaged spinal disc in your neck. It’s designed to relieve pressure on nerves while helping you keep natural movement in your spine.
Understanding how it works and when it’s used can help you decide what to do next.
What Is Cervical Arthroplasty Surgery?
Cervical arthroplasty, also called artificial disc replacement, is a procedure that removes a damaged disc in your neck and replaces it with an artificial one.
Spinal discs act as cushions between the bones in your neck. When a disc breaks down or shifts out of place, it can press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
This pressure can cause:
During cervical arthroplasty, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. This helps relieve pressure while allowing the spine to keep moving more naturally than it would after a fusion.
What Conditions Does Cervical Arthroplasty Treat?
Cervical arthroplasty is used to treat conditions that affect the discs in your neck.
These may include:
- Herniated (bulging or ruptured) discs
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves)
- Myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
- Cervical spinal stenosis
These conditions are often caused by:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Injury
Common Symptoms
Not everyone has symptoms, but when they do occur, they can affect daily life.
You may notice:
- Neck pain that spreads to the shoulders or arms
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- Reduced hand function
In more severe cases, symptoms can affect walking or bladder control.
How Doctors Diagnose the Problem
If you have ongoing symptoms, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to find the cause.
These may include:
- X-rays to look at bone structure
- MRI to view discs and nerves
- CT scan for detailed images of the spine
- CT myelogram to highlight nerve compression
These tests help confirm whether cervical arthroplasty is an option.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Arthroplasty?
Cervical arthroplasty may be recommended if:
- Non-surgical treatments haven’t worked
- Only one or two discs are affected
- You have minimal arthritis in the facet joints
- You’re in generally good health
This procedure is often considered for patients who want to maintain motion in the neck instead of having the bones fused.
Risks and Considerations of Cervical Arthroplasty
Like any surgery, cervical arthroplasty carries some risks.
These may include:
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Nerve or spinal cord injury
- Implant-related issues
That said, some studies suggest cervical arthroplasty may lead to:
- Fewer complications than fusion
- Lower readmission rates
- Reduced need for pain medications after surgery
Your doctor will help you weigh these risks based on your condition.
Cervical Arthroplasty vs. Cervical Fusion
Cervical fusion has been a common treatment for years. It joins two bones together to stop movement at that level.
Cervical arthroplasty works differently. It replaces the disc and preserves motion.
This may help:
- Reduce stress on nearby discs
- Maintain more natural movement
- Lower the risk of future problems at adjacent levels
Not every patient is a candidate for arthroplasty, but it can be a strong option in the right cases.
When to Consider Cervical Arthroplasty
You may want to consider cervical arthroplasty if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- Pain is affecting your daily life
- Conservative treatments aren’t helping
- Imaging shows disc damage or nerve compression
In some cases, untreated nerve compression can lead to worsening pain, weakness, or permanent nerve damage over time. Getting evaluated early can help prevent symptoms from progressing.
Cervical Arthroplasty in Atlanta
If you’re dealing with ongoing neck pain, numbness, or weakness, it may be time to get answers.
Our team offers cervical arthroplasty in Atlanta and can evaluate your symptoms, review your imaging, and walk you through your treatment options.
Schedule a consultation today to get answers and start the right treatment for your symptoms.
Related:
