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Treatment Options

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Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

Cervical disc arthroplasty is a procedure where rather than removing the disc and fusing the bones together, a disc replacement is placed that allows continued motion at the disc level. It is designed to maintain motion at that level.

INDICATIONS

Indications for a cervical disc replacement are very similar to an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Most commonly is it used to treat one-level disease. Typically, patients present with neck pain and/or arm pain, associated numbness, tingling and/or weakness. When patients have failed conservative measures including physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and/or injections, that surgery is an option.

CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Procedure is done through similar incision as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. An incision is made in the front of the neck. The disc is accessed through the front of the spine and the disc is removed, and the spinal cord and nerve roots are decompressed. At this point, the disc replacement is placed and secured appropriately.

POSTOPERATIVE COURSE

Most patients are able to be discharged home on post-op day the first day after surgery. They may have a soft collar for comfort for the first couple of weeks. Most patients can return to work within two to six weeks after surgery depending on the physical nature of their job.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND/OR COMPLICATIONS

As with any procedure, there are inherent risks to surgery. These include risk of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, neurologic injuries, spinal fluid leak, hoarseness of voice (typically transient) and difficulty swallowing (usually transient). As with any mechanical device, there are potential complications that can be related to failure and/or loosening of the device. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications in detail with you prior to surgery.

Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery