What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?

• In simple terms: The diseased disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc, which keeps the bones moving instead of fusing them together.
  
  

• Scientifically: Cervical disc arthroplasty involves anterior cervical exposure, microsurgical discectomy with decompression, precise endplate preparation, and implantation of a motion-preserving prosthesis designed to replicate natural kinematics of the cervical spine.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain, numbness, tingling, weakness)
  
  

• Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression from disc or bone spurs, select cases)
  
  

• Degenerative disc disease at 1–2 levels
  
  

• Herniated cervical discs not responding to conservative care
  
  

Who Is a Candidate?

Good candidates:

• Younger or middle-aged patients
  
  

• One or two diseased levels in the cervical spine
  
  

• No severe arthritis or instability
  
  

• No osteoporosis
  
  

Not candidates if:

• Severe arthritis or multi-level disease beyond two levels
  
  

• Prior fusion at adjacent levels
  
  

• Unstable spine or deformity
  
  

The Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

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

2. Incision: Small incision in the front of the neck.
   
   

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

4. Nerve decompression: Nerves and spinal cord freed from compression.
   
   

5. Artificial disc placement: The implant is placed between vertebrae to preserve motion.
   
   

6. Closure: Incision is closed; many patients go home the same day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Exposure: Smith-Robinson anterior cervical approach; careful soft-tissue dissection to prevertebral fascia.
  
  

• Discectomy: Microsurgical annulotomy and nucleus removal; PLL resection and osteophytectomy as needed.
  
  

• Endplate preparation: Endplates precisely milled to accept prosthesis without violating cortical bone.
  
  

• Implant placement: Artificial disc (metal-on-metal or metal/polymer) inserted under fluoroscopy, restoring height and preserving motion.
  
  

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

Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement

• Preserves motion at the treated level
  
  

• Reduces risk of adjacent segment disease compared to fusion
  
  

• Small incision with excellent cosmetic result
  
  

• Outpatient or 1-night hospital stay
  
  

• Reliable relief of nerve pain, numbness, and weakness
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• Temporary swallowing difficulty or hoarseness
  
  

• Implant migration or wear (rare with modern designs)
  
  

• Infection, bleeding, nerve injury (uncommon with neurosurgical precision)
  
  

• Not suitable for patients with severe arthritis or instability
  
  

• Long-term implant durability still under study (10–20+ years of data available)
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Day 0–1: Walking and light activity; many patients discharged same day
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Soreness and mild throat discomfort; gradual return to daily activities
  
  

• Weeks 2–6: Desk work resumed; driving allowed when safe
  
  

• 6–12 weeks: Start structured physical therapy for posture, strength, and flexibility
  
  

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

• 12 months: Continued follow-up to confirm implant stability
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Nationally recognized neurosurgeon: Dr. Greenwald is an expert in motion-preserving cervical surgery
  
  

• Personalized approach: Careful selection ensures the best candidates get the best outcomes
  
  

• Conservative-first philosophy: Surgery only when non-surgical care fails
  
  

• Advanced implants: State-of-the-art artificial discs with proven track records
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How is disc replacement different from ACDF?

ACDF fuses two bones together, eliminating motion. Disc replacement preserves motion while still relieving nerve pressure.

How long do artificial discs last?

Most are designed to last 10–20+ years, with long-term studies showing excellent durability.

Will I lose neck mobility?

No. Unlike fusion, disc replacement is designed to preserve motion.

Is disc replacement safe?

Yes. Complications are rare when performed by an experienced neurosurgeon.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform this differently?

We use microsurgical precision, advanced imaging, and the latest disc implants, always tailored to each patient’s anatomy and condition.