A cervical artificial disc is an alternative for select patients who require spine surgery to treat a herniated cervical disc. When a disc is damaged, herniated (ruptures), or affected by spinal osteoarthritis (spondylosis) or degenerative disc disease, fragile spinal nerve roots and/or the spinal cord (myelopathy) can become compressed, pinched, or trapped. Nerve compression can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back and arms (radiculopathy). Pain can be accompanied by sensations such as numbness and tingling or muscle weakness in the arm.
Keep in mind: While neck pain is a common problem, most patients respond well to nonsurgical treatment and do not require spine surgery.
Why Consider Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement?
An artificial disc is designed to mimic a human cervical intervertebral disc. One advantage is an artificial disc helps preserve neck motion at the surgical level. In fact, another name for this technology is a nonfusion device. Unlike traditional cervical fusion that fuses or joins two vertebral bodies into one unmovable segment, an artificial disc:
- Replaces the damaged disc
- Restores intervertebral body disc height
- Stabilizes the cervical spine
- Preserves motion at the cervical segment
- Absorbs and distributes stress at rest and during movement
What is a Cervical Artificial Disc?
Artificial discs are made from different materials, including surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium and polyurethane. The metal components often comprise the endplates, which secure the artificial disc between two vertebral bodies. A ball-like or similar construct is made from metal and/or polyurethane to serve as the nucleus for the artificial disc. Polyurethane is a durable, tough, yet resilient material with elastic-like properties.
When a damaged cervical disc is surgically removed (discectomy), and an artificial disc is implanted, nerve and/or spinal cord compression is relieved. The device stabilizes the cervical spine, restores and preserves lost intervertebral body disc height and motion, and acts much like a human disc to absorb and distribute stress.
Am I a Candidate for a Cervical Artificial Disc?
Few patients with neck pain or related symptoms require cervical spine surgery. Only a spine surgeon can determine if surgery or a cervical artificial disc is right for you. Some patients may be considered if:
- The cervical spine is not stable (spinal instability)
- Pain and/or weakness in the arm, hand (eg, radiculopathy)
- Symptoms correspond to the damaged disc
- Nonsurgical treatment such as medication, spinal injections and physical therapy do not significantly relieve symptoms
How is Cervical Artificial Disc Surgery Performed?
- A neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon performs the surgery under general anesthesia.
- The surgeon begins the operation by making a small incision in the front (anterior) of the neck.
- Soft neck tissues are separated, and the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (membrane/tube to the stomach) are gently moved to the side to access the cervical spine and disc.
- The surgeon removes the diseased disc from between the vertebral bodies, clears all damaged disc tissue from the vertebral bodies, and prepares the space for the artificial disc implant.
- Next, the cervical artificial disc is inserted into the space between the vertebral bodies. Screws secure the implant in place.
- All of the instruments necessary to perform cervical artificial disc surgery are removed, and the incision is closed using sutures or staples.
Recovery
After surgery for cervical artificial disc replacement, the patient can expect a 1-2 day stay in the hospital. Upon discharge, the patient can anticipate restrictions on driving, working, exercising and lifting.
Keep in mind: This overview is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your doctor or surgeon. We welcome questions about our team of spine specialists and the superb patient care Piedmont Spine Center provides.