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Mr Arif Gul

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Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical method of replacing the diseased or damaged intervertebral discs in the neck region with an artificial disc to restore motion to the spine. It can be considered as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Artificial disc replacement is indicated in patients with degenerative disc disease, a condition referred to as a gradual degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae caused by a natural process of aging.

Procedure

During the surgery, an incision is made on the front side of the neck, at the level of the damaged cervical disc. The muscles and soft tissues are gently moved apart for better view of the cervical spine. . The disc space is opened and the damaged disc is removed and replaced with the artificial disc. The proper position of the implanted disc is confirmed by fluoroscopy. Then the incision is closed.

Disk design

Artificial disk designs are of two types, disc nucleus replacement and total disc replacement.

With the disc nucleus replacement only the central portion of the disc (nucleus) is removed and replaced with mechanical device, while the outer ring of the disc (annulus) is not removed. However disc nucleus replacement procedure is not commonly practiced and is in investigative stage. In total artificial disk replacement, the annulus and nucleus are replaced with the mechanical device to restore normal spinal function. Artificial discs are usually made up of metal, plastic or a combination of metal and plastic. Medical grade plastic (polyethylene) and medical grade cobalt chromium or titanium alloy are used for disk design.

An artificial disk implantation does not require healing and therefore rehabilitation can be started soon after the surgery. Hospital stay of about 2 to 4 days may be required. Basic exercises including regular walking and stretching may be performed during the first few weeks after surgery.

Cervical disc replacement surgery may cause certain complications and they include:

  • Infection
  • Injury to blood vessels
  • Dislodgement or breakage of the device
  • Wear of the device materials
  • Continued or increasing pain
  • Bleeding
  • Bladder problems