Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement surgery is available at Axion Spine & Neurosurgery’s Alpharetta, Atlanta, and College Park offices, serving patients across the greater Atlanta area.
What is Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?
Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure used to reduce pain and increase mobility in patients with certain spine conditions. Healthy intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between vertebrae, keeping the bones from rubbing together. They also help give the spine its flexibility and motion. Aging discs can weaken and crack or tear, allowing the gel-like inner part to bulge out. The bulging disc can irritate or put pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
During cervical disc replacement, a surgeon removes all or part of the damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. It is used to treat conditions like:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated cervical discs
- Disc-related neck pain with nerve compression
Cervical disc replacement can be performed to address neck pain when nonsurgical treatments haven’t helped. It can be an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.
The procedure is performed through a small incision, and most patients go home the same day.
Surgery Procedure
The surgery is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Because of the anesthesia, you will need a driver. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
- Your surgeon makes a small incision above the damaged disc and gently moves muscles and other tissues out of the way.
- Using slim surgical instruments, your surgeon removes the damaged disc and prepares the space for the artificial disc.
- After implanting the artificial disc, the muscles and tissues that were moved are put back in their original positions.
- The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and covered with a dressing.
- You’ll be moved to a recovery area for monitoring and post-operative instructions.
Before you go home, staff will talk to you about how to move correctly while you heal. You will achieve the best results if you follow your post-operative instructions carefully.
Is Cervical Disc Replacement an Option?
Surgery isn’t an option for everybody with neck pain. You and your surgeon will discuss your medical history, your pain, and your treatment options at your consultation. You’ll also have a physical exam and diagnostic imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI.
In general, a good candidate is someone who:
- Has tried nonsurgical treatments, but they did not provide relief
- Has pain in only 1-2 discs
- Doesn’t have severe spinal instability or advanced facet joint disease
- Is not obese
- Doesn’t have a history of previous spinal surgery
- Doesn’t have a spinal deformity, like scoliosis
Recovery
Recovery is often shorter than with traditional open surgery, but healing can still take a few weeks to a few months.
Walking and gentle stretching help keep your neck and spine flexible during recovery. You should avoid sudden or jarring movements while you heal.
Before you go home, medical staff will explain how to care for your incision, what precautions to take, which symptoms to watch for, and when to return for follow-up care.
Risks
Like any surgery, there are some risks. Possible complications are:
- Blood clots
- Dislocation of the artificial disc
- Fracture or failure of the implant
- Infection
- Loosening or wear and tear of the implant
- Narrowing of the spine
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Stiffness of the spine
- Surgical pain
You can help minimize risks by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, and following your surgeon’s instructions while you heal.
FAQs
What are artificial discs made of?
Artificial discs are made from various materials, including polyethylene, titanium, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel.
What are the benefits of cervical disc replacement?
This surgery can relieve neck and arm pain while helping the neck keep its natural movement. It may also reduce strain on the discs above and below the treated area.
What is the advantage of having cervical disc replacement over spinal fusion?
Disc replacement is meant to preserve movement in the affected spine segment. Fusion takes away the mobility in the affected segment, which puts more wear and tear on the segments above and below the fusion.
If you think disc replacement surgery may be right for you, schedule a consultation visit today.
Where can I schedule a cervical disc replacement consultation?
Consultations are available at Axion Spine & Neurosurgery’s Alpharetta, Atlanta (Sandy Springs), and College Park offices. Virtual visits are also available for patients throughout Georgia.
What happens during a cervical disc replacement consultation?
The surgeon reviews medical history, imaging, and symptoms to confirm whether disc replacement or another treatment would best relieve pain and restore motion.
