Disc arthroplasty may be performed to treat conditions such as disc degeneration and herniated discs in the cervical spine or lumbar spine. Dr. Andrew K. Simpson provides personalized nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a wide range of spine conditions in Dallas, including cervical disc replacement and spinal fusion alternatives. He also provides specialized aftercare for patients, including physical therapy and follow-up appointments to ensure spinal health and normal mobility restoration. Contact Dr. Simpson for a disc arthroplasty appointment today.
Cervical Disc Replacement Overview
The vertebrae of the backbone or spine, including the cervical vertebrae, are cushioned by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and allow frictionless movement of your back, restoring normal mobility and normal neck movement. Disc degeneration reduces the height of the disc and may cause a herniated disc or disc tear. It is made up of a soft gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus that is surrounded by a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus.
A herniated disc is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus bulges out through the damaged or broken annulus fibrosus. A herniated disc is also called bulging disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc. Disc herniation causes compression of the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves, leading to nerve compression in the nerve passageway or neural foramen. Spinal cord compression can cause neck pain and pain in the arms and legs. In rare cases, it can lead to permanent damage and paralysis.
When conservative treatments like physical therapy and pain management don't work, your spine specialist may propose a disc arthroplasty or artificial disc replacement. Candidates for disc replacement should not have significant spinal instability or advanced arthritis.
What is Disc Arthroplasty?
Disc arthroplasty, or artificial cervical disc replacement, is a spine surgery to replace a degenerated (deteriorated) disc with an artificial disc. The artificial disc, like the natural healthy disc, is used to replace the degenerated disc to support the vertebrae while still allowing backward and forward bending, side-to-side bending, and turning, thus preserving the range of motion between two cervical vertebrae.
How is Disc Arthroplasty Dallas Performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. For the procedure, the disc arthroplasty Dallas surgeon makes a small incision over the area to be treated. The affected disc is identified with the help of imaging studies like MRI and removed. The artificial disc, such as Bryan, Prestige, and ProDisc-C, is then placed precisely in the disc space between the vertebrae. After confirming the proper fit of the artificial disc, which helps preserve normal mobility and reduces disc degeneration, the incision is sutured closed.
Patients often return to daily activities within four to six weeks after surgery. Disc arthroplasty can lead to faster recovery than spinal fusion surgeries, and treated patients may experience substantial pain relief post-surgery.
Risks and Complications of Cervical Disc Replacement Spine Surgery
As with any surgery, degenerative disc disease arthroplasty may be associated with certain potential risks and certain complications, which include:
- Injury to the major blood vessels
- Injury to the small or large intestines
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Bleeding
- Spinal fluid leakage
- Nerve injury leading to numbness and weakness, which can also cause temporary hoarseness
