What Is Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Your cervical spine supports your head and protects your spinal cord. When a disc in your cervical spine suffers damage or disease, it often results in significant neck pain. In these instances, cervical disc replacement may be a viable source of relief.

Cervical disc replacement is a major surgery. The process consists of removing a diseased cervical disc from your spine and inserting an artificial one in its place. Filling the gap with an artificial disc allows you to regain much of your neck’s range of motion and lessens stress on your other vertebrae.

Why Choose New York Spine Institute

Quality Care

Part of New York Spine Institute’s mission is to provide each and every one of our clients with the highest quality care by the top spinal experts.

Industry Leaders

NYSI’s team of physicians, led by medical director Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS, are industry leaders that specialize in neck and back disorders.

Multiple Languages

To live up to our mission of custom, personalized care, our staff speaks a variety of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Disc Replacement?

If your cervical spine is in poor condition, you may need surgery to replace one or several cervical discs. To be considered a candidate for cervical disc replacement surgery, you must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 to 60 years old with cervical disc disease that hasn’t responded to noninvasive treatment after six months.
Be healthy enough to qualify for surgery.
Be a patient with one or two discs damaged enough to cause compression on a nerve.

You may not be a candidate for cervical disc replacement surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

Significant osteoporosis or spondylosis
Abnormal instability or motion in the neck
An infection in the affected area
Metal allergies
Morbidly obese
Currently pregnant
Younger than 18 years

Assuring you meet the qualifications for surgery is the first step to determining if you are a candidate for cervical disc replacement.

The Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure

The surgery to insert a cervical artificial disc replacement can last between two and three hours. The procedure’s steps may differ between surgeons but typically go as follows:

You’re connected to monitors to track your oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart.
An assistant cleanses the surgical site with an antiseptic solution.
The surgeon makes an incision to the front or side of your neck to begin the surgery.
The surgical team examines your vertebrae and the diseased cervical disk to assess the best path for removal.
The surgeon removes the damaged cervical disc and inserts the artificial one.
Your surgeon closes the incision with absorbable sutures to minimize scarring.
As a final step, a small dressing may be applied to the incision. You will likely receive a temporary neck collar to wear to stabilize your neck and restrict motion that may cause injury.

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Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement surgery is beneficial for individuals suffering from acute neck pain as the result of a diseased or ruptured disc. When you get a replacement, you will experience:

Less stress on other discs and vertebrae
A wider range of motion
Reduced pain

Contact New York Spine Institute to Speak With a Cervical Disc Replacement Specialist

If you suffer from cervical disc pain or injury and need surgery, New York Spine Institute specialists are here to help you gain pain relief. With our expertise, we ensure every patient receives the best treatment and surgery plan to help them regain neck mobility. Start your journey to cervical disc replacement surgery by scheduling an appointment with us today.

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