What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?

• In simple terms: We remove the damaged disc in the neck and replace it with a motion-preserving artificial disc instead of fusing the bones.
  
  

• Scientifically: Cervical disc arthroplasty involves anterior cervical exposure, microsurgical discectomy, decompression of neural elements, and implantation of a mechanical prosthesis designed to replicate physiologic disc kinematics, preserving flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Cervical radiculopathy from a herniated or degenerated disc
  
  

• Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression, in select cases)
  
  

• Degenerative disc disease at one or two levels
  
  

• Patients who failed conservative treatments (PT, medications, injections)
  
  

Who Is a Candidate?

Best candidates:

• Younger, active patients
  
  

• 1–2 levels of disc disease
  
  

• No severe arthritis or deformity
  
  

• No instability or need for multi-level fusion
  
  

Not ideal for:

• Severe spondylosis/arthritis
  
  

• Spinal instability or deformity
  
  

• Osteoporosis
  
  

• Multi-level disease beyond 2 levels
  
  

The Disc Replacement Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia & positioning: You’re asleep under general anesthesia, lying on your back.
   
   

2. Small incision: A 1–2 inch incision is made in the front of the neck.
   
   

3. Disc removal: The damaged disc and bone spurs are removed.
   
   

4. Nerve decompression: Spinal cord and nerve roots are freed.
   
   

5. Artificial disc placement: An artificial disc is placed in the disc space, restoring motion.
   
   

6. Closure: The incision is closed; patients often walk the same day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Exposure: Smith-Robinson anterior approach with blunt dissection to prevertebral fascia.
  
  

• Localization: Fluoroscopy ensures correct level.
  
  

• Discectomy: Microsurgical annulotomy, nucleus removal, posterior longitudinal ligament resection as needed.
  
  

• Decompression: Osteophyte removal with drill/Kerrisons; confirm free neural elements.
  
  

• Disc replacement: Endplates prepared precisely; trialing performed; prosthesis (metal/polymer or metal-on-metal design) implanted under fluoroscopy.
  
  

• Closure: Irrigation; layered closure with absorbable sutures; drain rarely needed.
  
  

Benefits of Disc Replacement

• Preserves motion at the treated level
  
  

• Reduces stress on adjacent discs (lower risk of adjacent segment disease compared to fusion)
  
  

• Small incision, outpatient or 1-night stay
  
  

• Reliable relief of arm pain, numbness, and weakness
  
  

• Faster return to activity than fusion in many cases
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• Difficulty swallowing (temporary dysphagia)
  
  

• Hoarseness (recurrent laryngeal nerve irritation)
  
  

• Implant-related complications (migration, wear, or mechanical failure—rare)
  
  

• Not suitable for severe arthritis or instability
  
  

• Fusion may still be required in some cases if disc replacement fails
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Day 0: Walking same day; many patients go home within 24 hours
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Mild neck/throat soreness; gradual return to light activity
  
  

• Weeks 2–6: Desk work and driving usually resumed
  
  

• 6–12 weeks: Begin structured physical therapy for strength and posture
  
  

• 3–6 months: Full activity for most patients; disc mobility preserved
  
  

• 12 months: Continued monitoring with X-rays to confirm implant position
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Motion-preservation expertise: Dr. Greenwald is highly trained in both fusion and artificial disc replacement
  
  

• Conservative-first philosophy: Surgery only when conservative options fail
  
  

• Personalized care: Careful evaluation to decide between ACDF and disc replacement
  
  

• Advanced technology: State-of-the-art implants and precision microsurgery
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How is disc replacement different from ACDF?

Disc replacement preserves motion at the treated level, while ACDF fuses the bones together. Both relieve nerve compression effectively.

Is disc replacement safe?

Yes. Complications are rare, and implants are FDA-approved and studied extensively.

Will I lose motion in my neck?

No. The artificial disc is designed to preserve normal motion.

How long does a disc replacement last?

Studies suggest durability for 10–20+ years, but long-term data is still evolving.

How does Desert Spine and Pain approach disc replacement differently?

We carefully select patients who will truly benefit, ensuring the safest, most effective outcome while avoiding unnecessary fusion.