Cervical Disc Replacement
What is a cervical disc replacement?
A cervical disc replacement is a type of spine surgery used to treat arm pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a damaged disc in the cervical spine (neck). Instead of removing the disc and fusing the bones together, as in a fusion surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc made of metal and plastic. This artificial disc is designed to maintain motion at that level of the spine, allowing the neck to move more naturally.
The main goals of cervical disc replacement are to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, reduce pain and other symptoms, preserve normal neck movement, and lower the risk of problems developing at nearby spinal levels.
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You may be a candidate for cervical disc replacement if you have arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a damaged or herniated disc in the cervical spine that is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord. This procedure is usually considered when:
Non-surgical treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, have not provided enough relief.
Imaging studies (like MRI or CT scans) show disc damage without severe arthritis or instability.
You want to preserve motion in your neck rather than undergo a fusion.
Patients with advanced arthritis, severe spinal instability, osteoporosis, or multiple levels of disease are usually not good candidates for disc replacement.
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A cervical disc replacement is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck, similar to a fusion surgery. The surgeon gently moves aside the muscles, windpipe, and blood vessels to reach the spine without cutting through major muscles. The damaged or herniated disc is then carefully removed to take pressure off the nerves and spinal cord. Instead of filling the space with a bone graft to fuse the bones together, the surgeon places an artificial disc made of metal and plastic into the empty disc space. This artificial disc is designed to act like a natural disc, restoring height between the bones and allowing normal movement of the neck. Once the disc is in place, the incision is closed, and many patients are able to go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
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The main benefits of cervical disc replacement compared to fusion include:
Preservation of neck motion: Unlike fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together, a disc replacement allows the treated level to move more naturally, maintaining flexibility.
Reduced stress on adjacent discs: By preserving motion, disc replacement may lower the risk of accelerated wear or degeneration in the discs above and below the surgery site.
Relief of pain and neurological symptoms: Like fusion, disc replacement removes the damaged disc and relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, improving neck and arm pain, numbness, and weakness.
Faster functional recovery: Many patients experience quicker return to normal daily activities and less stiffness compared to fusion.
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Please refer to our Patient Education Booklet for detailed information.
Disclaimer: All materials presented on this website are the opinions of Dr. Patawut “Pat” Bovonratwet, or Dr. B, and any guest writers, and should not be construed as medical advice. Each patient’s specific condition is different, and a comprehensive medical assessment requires a full medical history, physical exam, and review of diagnostic imaging. If you would like to seek the opinion of Dr. B for your specific case, we recommend contacting our office to make an appointment.