Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (Artificial Disc)

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (Artificial Disc Replacement)

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty, also called artificial disc replacement, is a surgery to relieve neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a damaged or herniated cervical disc. Unlike traditional fusion surgery, this procedure replaces the damaged disc with an artificial implant instead of fusing the vertebrae.

How Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Works

• The surgery is done through a small incision at the front of the neck.
• The damaged cervical disc is removed.
• An artificial disc implant is placed between the vertebrae.
• The artificial disc preserves natural movement of the neck while reducing pressure on nerves or the spinal cord.

Conditions This Procedure Treats

Cervical disc arthroplasty is often recommended for:

• Herniated or degenerated cervical discs.
• Pinched nerves cause arm pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Chronic neck pain that has not improved with non-surgical treatments.
• Patients who are good candidates and want to maintain neck mobility after surgery.

Benefits of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

• Relieves pressure on spinal nerves and reduces pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Preserves natural neck movement, unlike spinal fusion.
• It can improve the quality of life and daily activities.
• May reduce stress on adjacent discs, helping protect other parts of the spine.

What to Expect During Recovery

• The procedure is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
• Recovery usually includes a short hospital stay, often 1–2 days.
• Some patients may need a neck brace
• Physical therapy may be recommended to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.
• Most patients notice improvement in pain and function within weeks, with full recovery taking several months.

Safety & Recovery Tips

• Follow all post-operative instructions carefully.
• Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, or high-impact activities until cleared by your surgeon.
• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and disc function.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you notice fever, worsening pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty swallowing.