At OLSS, our team of world-class doctors specializes in different surgical treatments that help our patients get back on the road to recovery. We utilize the latest cutting-edge medical techniques and procedures, which have led to thousands of satisfied patients throughout Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. For patients considering Cervical Disc Arthroplasty, we invite you to read more below.
What is Cervical Disc Arthroplasty?
Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), also known as cervical artificial disc replacement, is a type of joint replacement procedure involving inserting an artificial disc into the space between your vertebrae after removing the natural hard disc.
An artificial cervical disc is a prosthetic device designed to maintain motion in the treated vertebral segment. Measuring and preparing the disc space for the artificial disc is crucial to ensure the proper fit and functionality of the device. An artificial cervical disc functions like a joint, allowing for flexion, extension, side bending and rotation. Duplicating the natural disc’s form and function with an artificial disc is challenging. However, several artificial cervical discs have been developed. They are available as a surgical option to treat cervical disc problems that cause chronic neck pain and other symptoms, such as arm pain or weakness.
Why Do I Need Cervical Disc Arthroplasty?
To determine whether or not a CDA procedure is correct for you may help to understand how your cervical spine works. The cervical spine discs, which are situated between the vertebrae, are essential for your neck’s normal mobility and function. When healthy, they act as “cushions” for the vertebrae. Each disc is made up of two parts:
- soft, gel-like center of the disc (nucleus pulposus)
- strong, fibrous outer ring that surrounds and supports the nucleus pulposus (annulus fibrosus)
Over time, discs can become damaged due to age, genetics and everyday wear and tear. When this happens, the nucleus pulposus may push through the annulus fibrosus, leading to conditions such as cervical degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration also may result in bone spurs, which can create a prominence of arm symptoms (radiating, burning, tingling and numbness), as well as isolated neck pain, where the hinges or facet joints in their neck are healthy. Some conditions that benefit from a cervical disc arthroplasty are:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Disc Herniations
- Radiculopathy
- Failed Prior Surgery (Failed Fusion)
- Multi-level damages
- Prior Fusion on Adjacent Levels
Herniated disc conditions can also necessitate surgical intervention, particularly when nerve root compression occurs. Symptomatic cervical disc disease is another condition that may benefit from cervical disc arthroplasty.
To determine whether CDA surgery is the proper treatment for you, our team will first get a complete medical history from you and then perform a battery of tests, including a complete physical exam and imaging tests. Depending on these results, we can then determine if CDA is right for you.
What is the Success Rate of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty?
In terms of success, cervical disc arthroplasty is generally very safe and has among the highest success rates of any of our procedures. While every surgery is unique, our cervical disc arthroplasties enjoy a success rate of over 95 percent. The reasons for this are multiple, including our world-class facilities, top-rated doctors, and utilization of the latest medical technology and surgical techniques. Rest assured that you are in competent hands should our team recommend this procedure.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty
Like any surgical procedure, cervical disc arthroplasty has specific benefits and risks, including the potential to reduce the rate of adjacent segment disease by causing less stress on neighboring discs.
Cervical disc replacement is often used to treat disc herniation, providing relief from symptoms caused by nerve compression, such as arm pain and numbness.
Benefits
Benefits of cervical disc arthroplasty include:
- Repairs and maintains normal neck movement
- Reduces the risk of stress on adjacent discs
- Does not require a bone graft
- Enables early neck motion after surgery
- Improves function of discs after surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery, which offers a faster recovery
Overall, the benefits of CDA surgery, especially in cases where the discs are heavily damaged, can outweigh the present risks.
Drawbacks
Potential drawbacks of cervical disc arthroplasty usually include:
- Allergic reaction to the implanted disc
- Breakage or movement of the implanted disc
- Infections of the wound or inside the body near the implant site
- Arm and neck pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in speech patterns
- Nerve damage or spinal cord injuries
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Tears in the spinal cord’s protective membrane
- Loss of motion
- Potential ineffectiveness of procedure
Compared to cervical discectomy and fusion, cervical disc arthroplasty may present different risks and benefits. Our experienced team of doctors and specialists will discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of cervical artificial disc replacement surgery with you before receiving treatment. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, we will offer complete service treatment to get you ready for the procedure and aftercare.
Choose Highly Rated Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Surgeons
When facing a decision as significant and full-encompassing as cervical disc arthroplasty or anterior cervical discectomy surgery, you want to make sure you choose the best doctors and specialists you can. Look no further than Orthopedic & Spine Laser Surgery for all your pre and post-operative needs. Our experienced, skilled team of surgeons can help you navigate this sometimes complex procedure quickly and confidently. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office at (855)-853-6542 or fill out our contact form.
Q&A
What is the cervical spine, and how does it function in the body?
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae in the neck that support the skull and allow head movement. It protects the spinal cord while providing mobility and flexibility for everyday movements such as turning and tilting the head. Problems like a herniated disc can lead to pain and require treatments like cervical disc replacement surgery.
When is cervical disc replacement surgery recommended?
Cervical disc replacement surgery, also known as cervical artificial disc replacement, is typically recommended when a patient suffers from severe neck pain, arm pain, or nerve compression caused by conditions such as a herniated disc or cervical degenerative disc disease. This procedure aims to replace damaged discs with artificial ones, restoring motion and relieving symptoms.
What are the benefits of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus cervical disc arthroplasty?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty are both spine surgery options for treating cervical disc issues. ACDF involves removing a damaged disc and fusing the surrounding vertebrae, which limits movement. In contrast, cervical disc arthroplasty maintains mobility in the cervical spine by replacing the damaged disc with a prosthetic one. Both procedures have high success rates, but cervical disc arthroplasty may provide a faster recovery and preserve motion.
How does cervical artificial disc replacement help treat a herniated disc?
Cervical artificial disc replacement is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a herniated disc that compresses nerves in the cervical spine. By replacing the damaged disc with a prosthetic one, this surgery relieves nerve compression, restoring normal motion in the neck and reducing pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or hands.
What are the risks associated with spine surgery, such as cervical disc arthroplasty?
As with any spine surgery, cervical disc arthroplasty has potential risks, including infection, nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, and issues with the implanted disc, such as movement or breakage. However, it remains a generally safe and effective treatment for cervical spine issues like herniated discs and degenerative disc disease, especially when performed by experienced surgeons.