Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

The loss of space between the cervical vertebrae and the cervical disc can lead to degeneration or wear and tear. This degeneration can cause the cervical disc to collapse and bulge with age. It tends to occur more in people above the age of sixty. However, healthcare providers are still determining why some individuals experience more symptoms from cervical disc degeneration than others. 

Symptoms of cervical disc degeneration may include:

• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands, or legs
• Pain that travels down to the shoulders or into the arms
• Numbness or tingling in the arms 

If a damaged cervical disc is left untreated, it can cause debilitating pain and permanent damage and lead to more severe conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and potentially paralysis. 

The Goals for Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

Before agreeing to cervical disc replacement surgery, it’s important to understand what the procedure aims to accomplish and whether that is what you need to get better. The goals of cervical disc replacement surgery include:

Relieve Nerve Compression 

When a disc herniates or begins to degenerate and collapse, there is less room for the nerve roots and spinal cord to function. The loss of space can cause chronic pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness radiating from the neck into the arms. Removing the damaged disc and inserting an artificial disc helps to relieve the pressure on any compressed nerves and gives them the space to heal and function properly. Reliving the pressure from a previously compressed spinal cord can help to resolve or prevent the progression of other symptoms, such as coordination issues or bladder or bowel control. 

Maintain Motion at the Repaired Spinal Level

Replacing the damaged disc with an artificial disc allows natural biomechanics to be more closely retained through the cervical spine when the neck moves. An artificial disc helps to maintain motion; however, it doesn’t create or improve motion. The cervical spine’s range of motion is unlikely to increase after the surgery. 

What Happens During Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Before the procedure starts, the patient will have an intravenous line (IV) started to receive fluids and medication to ensure the patient is relaxed and sleepy. The patients are generally placed under general anesthesia, so they are asleep during the procedure. Medication may be given through the IV to put them to sleep, and a tube may be inserted in the patient’s throat to protect their airway and supplement their breathing. The actual procedure can last a few hours. Once the procedure beings, the following occurs:

• Monitors are placed to check the patient’s heart, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
• The neck area where the incision is made is cleaned with a special solution to kill germs on the skin.
• A one-to-two-inch incision is made on the side or front of the patient’s neck.
• The important structures of the neck are carefully maneuvered to the side until the surgeon can see the bones of the vertebrae and cervical disc. 
• The artificial disc is secured into the empty disc space.
• The incision is closed using absorbable surgical stitches under the skin. 
• The skin is carefully closed with sutures to minimize scarring.
• A small dressing is applied to the incision, and a rigid or soft neck collar may be placed on the patient’s neck to restrict motion. 

While this is a general outline of the procedure, every procedure can be slightly different as each patient and their condition is unique. It’s important to discuss it with your skilled spinal surgeon to get a better understanding of what your procedure may look like.

Chronic pain is not something to take lightly. It may be challenging to imagine that this pain you’ve been living with can be addressed and treated, but when you’re under the care of NJ Spine & Orthopedics’ award-winning medical team, you be sure our team will go the extra mile to help you find the pain relief you need. 

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our experienced, board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, and physicians work together to treat back and neck conditions using minimally invasive techniques to ensure our patients get the best results possible with the least recovery time. NJ Spine & Orthopedic combines advanced technology and a patient-centered approach to ensure our patients get the best possible outcomes. Complete our contact form to schedule an appointment, or call (866) 553-0612.