Cervical artificial disc replacement may be an alternative for some patients with neck pain and has several benefits over traditional fusion, including a possible faster recovery. Also called disc arthroplasty, patients who have this procedure may benefit from earlier range of motion, fewer limitations on what they are allowed to do during recovery, and not needing to wear a brace. There is some research showing that patients also may have a lower risk of short-term problems with swallowing.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, named C1 to C7, that make up the portion of the spine in your neck. These vertebrae bones are connected by facet joints, which allow you to move the head forward, backward, and side to side. Patients with neck pain that doesn’t get better with conservative treatments may need surgery. The most common surgery is called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Artificial disc replacement is growing in popularity as an alternative to ACDF. Because cervical disc replacement is a newer procedure than fusion, it doesn’t have as much long-term data on outcomes. Also, there are more limitations on who is eligible for the procedure. Learn more about the differences between ACDF and cervical disc replacement.
Current research shows that cervical disc replacement may help reduce the likelihood that problems occur in other vertebrae, but we are still watching the long-term research to verify this. At Neurosurgery One, our Denver spine surgeons base all of our treatment recommendations on the latest medical research and also on the best treatments for each individual patient’s condition, overall health, and lifestyle goals.
You can find more information on cervical disc replacement in these blog articles:
FAQs About Cervical Disc Replacement
Continue reading below to learn more about cervical disc replacement surgery for neck pain, or click on one of these links to go directly to the information that interests you.
- What is cervical disc replacement surgery?
- What are the benefits of cervical disc replacement?
- Who is a good candidate for cervical disc replacement surgery?
- Who should not have cervical disc replacement surgery?
- What are the risks of cervical disc replacement surgery?
- What is the cervical disc replacement recovery time after surgery?
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ArticlesWhat is cervical disc replacement surgery?
Cervical disc replacement surgery is an innovative procedure that employs advanced technology. A 2016 study found that cervical disc replacement resulted in better function outcomes, less need for additional surgery, and fewer complications than ACDF.
In cervical disc replacement, a small incision, usually about one inch, is made, most often in the neck fold. Then the surgeon removes the degenerated or diseased disc. Once the disc is removed, a new disc, specifically sized to fit the patient, is inserted. Many cervical discs consist of two metal end plates, separated by a polyethylene — or plastic — spacer.
With cervical disc replacement surgery, additional stabilization measures are not necessary, and most patients are discharged from the hospital within 24 hours.
What are the benefits of cervical disc replacement?
Other potential benefits of cervical disc replacement over traditional fusion surgery include:
- Maintains full range of neck motion
- Reduces the likelihood of degeneration in adjacent segments of the cervical spine
- Eliminates the potential complications associated with bone graft used in ACDF surgery
- Shorter recovery time; most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few weeks
- Most patients can resume full activity, including vigorous activities, such as jogging, in as soon as three months
Watch an animation that shows the range of neck motion after cervical artificial disc replacement.
Who is a good candidate for cervical disc replacement surgery?
Good candidates for cervical disc replacement are patients who:
- Experience arm pain
- Experience numbness and tingling in the arms and hands
- Have good motion in the area where the neck bends
- Have degenerative disc disease in only one disc
- Have no allergies to stainless steel
- Have no significant neck pain
Who should not have cervical disc replacement surgery?
The procedure is not appropriate for all patients. Cervical disc replacement is not recommended for patients who:
- Have arthritis in the facet joint
- Have osteoarthritis in the cervical spine
- Have instability in the cervical spine
- Have active infection
- Have had previous fusion surgery in the area of the degenerated disc
- Need more than one level addressed
What are the risks of cervical disc replacement surgery?
The risks of cervical disc replacement surgery are comparable to those of most surgical procedures, and include surgical site infection. As with fusion surgery such as ACDF, there is a slight chance that the implanted device will move out of place. But this is extremely rare. Since cervical disc replacement is a newer procedure than fusion, it isn’t yet clear how long the implanted discs will last.
What is the cervical disc replacement recovery time after surgery?
Recovery and rehabilitation from cervical disc replacement surgery are different for everyone. In general, here’s what you might expect:
- Some patients experience minor pain at the incision site, and some at the base of the neck and the shoulder blades. Typically, over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help.
- Your bandages likely will come off the second day after surgery, but you may need to visit your neurosurgeon after you go home to have sutures removed.
- Some patients will wear a soft or rigid neck support after surgery.
- You may experience hoarseness or a sore throat. This is normal, and the symptoms will resolve within a few weeks.
- You will be able to eat your normal diet.
- Your neurosurgeon will advise you regarding when you can resume taking a regular shower or bath. You should not enter a pool or hot tub for several weeks.
- You should be able to sleep in any position after you return home.
- Many patients are able to resume driving after a week or two, but you and your neurosurgeon will discuss when it’s appropriate for you to drive. You will not be able to drive as long as you are taking prescription pain medications.
- You may start physical therapy after a few weeks.
- You should be able to return to full activities by four to six weeks.
