What is artificial cervical disc surgery?
If the space between your vertebrae starts to wear down (degenerative disc) it could lead to pain, weakness or even numbness. If you have tried other treatment options and they have not solved your discomfort issue, artificial cervical disc surgery may be your best solution.
Traditionally a cervical fusion surgery fuses two vertebrae together which can limit the motion in your neck. Artificial cervical disc surgery keeps the movement in your neck by replacing the diseased vertebrae, eliminating the need to fuse vertebrae. Choosing to go this route versus the traditional route also creates less stress on the remaining vertebrae.
Why might you need this procedure?
The artificial cervical disc procedure is not for everyone. It is possible that your doctor may recommend physical therapy as an approach to solve your pain. You may be considered for this procedure if:
- Physical therapy does not solve the problem
- Spinal instability
- Headaches
- Spinal injections or medication does not solve the problem
- Degenerative disc that is causing arm pain, numbness or weakness
Additional factors that are taken into account are your age and overall health. If you are under the age of 60 and in good health but none of the above tactics have helped, you will likely be a candidate for this surgery.
Risks of procedure
It will be important to ask your doctor the specific risks of the procedure based on your overall health. The following are more general risks that can occur from the procedure:
- Infection
- Disc failure – the artificial cervical disc could fail or wear out. Additional surgery may be required.
- Spinal fluid leak
- Previous symptoms not relieved
- Nerve injury
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Troubles breathing or swallowing
What to expect from the procedure and the recovery
One of the great benefits of the artificial cervical replacement surgery is that the recovery time will be a fraction of what it would be if you do the traditional vertebrae fusion surgery. The artificial disc surgery is much less invasive. You may be required to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring.
Once you are able, it will be suggested that you get up and moving to keep your body in motion. You will not be able to return to physical activities immediately, but your doctor will provide further instruction based on how your surgery went and your overall health. You will likely return to full activity following 4 to 6 weeks of recovery.
What to expect from the procedure and the recovery
One of the great benefits of the artificial cervical replacement surgery is that the recovery time will be a fraction of what it would be if you do the traditional vertebrae fusion surgery. The artificial disc surgery is much less invasive. You may be required to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring.
Once you are able, it will be suggested that you get up and moving to keep your body in motion. You will not be able to return to physical activities immediately, but your doctor will provide further instruction based on how your surgery went and your overall health. You will likely return to full activity following 4 to 6 weeks of recovery.