Cervical Disc Replacement

The objective of Cervical Disk Replacement is to decompress nerves, give correct spine alignment and to maintain spine stability which is often caused by direct pressure from a herniated disc or degenerative changes in the cervical spine as seen with rheumatoid patients.

Artificial Disk Replacement (ADR)

Artificial disk replacement is a fairly new option and is comparable to hip or knee joint replacements, were the disk is replaced with a mechanical device, in this case an intervertebral disk in the spine.

This surgery will allow motion to continue once the degenerated disk is removed. It may restore the height between the vertebral bodies and widen the passageway through which the nerve roots leave the spinal canal. The artificial disk can alleviate pressure on surface joints and help to maintain the natural curvature of the cervical spine.

The small incision is made along the front  of the neck crease (or back depending on the type of neck problem), approximately 1 to 2 inches. The troublesome disk is removed and the artificial disc is put in its place. Made out of metal and/or plastic this implant will work just as the original did before damage.

Artificial disk replacement may not be a choice available for some patients, depending on the type and the location of the disc damage.

Risks

As with any surgery there are risks and they vary from patient to patient. Here are some of the potential risks for cervical spine surgery:

·       Infection

·       Bleeding

·       Injury to the nerves or spinal cord

·       Reactions to anesthesia

·       Symptoms still remain

·       Tear of the sac covering the nerves (dural tear)

Specific potential risks for the anterior cervical spine surgery and artificial disk replacement are:

·       Misplaced, broken, or loosened plates, screws, or implants

·       Soreness or difficulty with swallowing

·       Voice changes

·       Difficulty breathing

·       Injury to the esophagus

·       Hip pain at the site where the bone graft was taken

·       Failed vertebra fusion

All of these potential risks are rare, but do happen, and should be kept in mind when considering surgery.

After Surgery

Most patients are in the hospital 1 to 2 days after surgery and are able to get out of bed and walk and eat the first day. Each surgery is different as is each patient, so the recovery time will vary. Some patients may need to wear a soft cervical collar for the first part of the healing process.

Your doctor will want you to see a physical therapist after about 4 to 6 week to teach you the range-of-motion exercises necessary for regaining some of your neck mobility.  Most patients have returned to their normal lifestyle around 3 to 4 month after surgery. All though patients who are slow healers and those who have had spinal fusion may take up to 12 months to recover and return to their normal lifestyle.

The information on this Web site is for your general information only. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.