Cervical disc replacement is a surgical technique that may be performed to treat a damaged intervertebral disc that causes stiffness, pain in the neck, headache, and weakness. This procedure is ideal for patients suffering from disc herniation or spinal cord compression who have not found relief through conservative treatments. Dr. Andrew K. Simpson provides personalized nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a wide range of spine conditions in Dallas. He also provides specialized aftercare for patients. Contact Dr. Simpson for an appointment today.
What is Cervical Disc Replacement?
The cervical spine is located in the neck region and consists of seven bones arranged one on top of the other, called cervical vertebrae. Cushioning tissue called vertebral discs, including the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus, located between the vertebrae, act as shock absorbers, allowing easy movement of the neck and restoring normal mobility. Wear and tear, disc damage, and advancing age can cause a degenerated disc or a herniated disc (also called bulging disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc), leading to pain, nerve compression, and disability.
Artificial cervical disc replacement surgery is a minimally invasive spine surgery procedure where the damaged intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a cervical artificial disc implant that restores the height between two cervical vertebrae, enlarges the neural foramen (nerve passageway), and relieves pressure on spinal nerves. The surgery relieves neck pain as well as restores the normal range of motion and normal mobility of the neck, allowing for bending, twisting, and turning while avoiding spinal fusion and preserving adjacent discs.
What are the Indications and Contraindications?
Cervical disc replacement surgery is an alternative to the traditional cervical spine fusion surgery, which involves the permanent fusion of two vertebral bodies, eliminating movement between them. Artificial cervical disc replacement, performed by a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon or spine specialist, is usually indicated when conservative treatments do not help relieve the following symptoms caused by the affected disc:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Pain, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs
- Difficulty in walking
- Headache
Candidacy for cervical disc replacement is determined after evaluating symptoms and imaging.
Contraindications
Artificial cervical disc replacement is contraindicated in the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, morbid obesity, significant osteoporosis or an active malignancy, insulin-dependent diabetes, and allergies to stainless steel.
Procedure Of Cervical Disc Replacement Dallas
Cervical disc replacement is increasingly performed as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is guided with the help of X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy). You will lie face up on the operating table. Your surgeon approaches the cervical spine from the front or side of your neck through a small incision. The important structures in your neck are gently moved to the side to access the cervical spine. The damaged disc, along with any loose disc fragments or bone spurs, is identified and removed. The artificial disc device is sized and placed in the prepared disc space, restoring its normal height and relieving any pressure over the spinal nerves. The incisions are closed and covered with a dressing.
Following surgery, your neck may be immobilized in a collar. You will need to keep the incision area clean and dry. Refrain from hot tubs, swimming, heavy lifting, driving, and smoking. You can initiate physical therapy as directed by your cervical disc replacement Dallas surgeon (usually around four weeks after cervical disc replacement surgery). Take medications as recommended by your cervical disc replacement Dallas doctor. Arrange for a follow-up appointment with your doctor. You may be able to resume light activities in a week or two and complete normal activities in six weeks.
Risks and Complications of Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement surgery is generally safe with a high success rate, offers quicker recovery times and lower reoperation rates, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks and certain complications to consider.
The potential risks associated with artificial disc replacement surgery may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, change in your voice, leakage of spinal fluid, or a break or loosening of the prosthesis, requiring further surgery. Call your doctor if the incision site shows signs of infection such as pain, redness, swelling, or change in the quantity and smell of the drainage, or if you develop a fever over 101° F.
Advantages of Cervical Disc Replacement
The advantages of artificial cervical disc replacement include:
- Maintains normal neck movement
- Lowers the risk of degeneration of adjacent segments
- Does not require a bone graft
- Allows early neck motion after surgery
- Faster return to daily activities
Patients typically stay overnight and get back to normal quality of life quickly post-surgery.
