Cervical discs provide cushioning between the cervical spine and the vertebrae. Over time these discs can degenerate or can even be damaged through impact or other trauma. When this happens, part of the disc can move from its normal place and can put pressure on nerve roots or the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness and other symptoms. Damaged cervical discs can also lead to bone spurs, which can cause further pain.
Artificial cervical disc surgery is a relatively new type of treatment option for this condition. It involves replacing a degenerated or damaged cervical disc with a device. The artificial disc device looks like a hinge with a socket and it is implanted between two vertebrae. Unlike past treatments, artificial cervical disc surgery allows for a wider range of motion and thus can prevent injury to the surrounding area.
What Can I Expect With Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery Process?
In most cases, artificial cervical disc surgery takes up to two hours. In addition to the actual surgery time, patients will need pre-operative preparation and recovery after being wheeled from the operating room.
Most patients are discharged from the hospital the day following their surgery and take two to three days of recovery before resuming most activities. Patients will need to follow up with medical professionals and take medication at home, as well as follow a post-op procedure. Patients may need to recover for two to three weeks before resuming driving if they are still taking pain medication.
Am I a Candidate for Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery?
If you have a damaged or degenerated cervical disc or have been considering disc fusion for your condition, you may be a candidate for artificial cervical disc surgery. To know for sure, you will want to speak with a doctor or medical professional with experience in back surgery.
If you have a damaged cervical disc, you may wish to consider discectomy, fusion, disc replacement and other options. Each patient is different, and what works for one person with a similar condition may not work for you. You will want to review and understand your options, discuss them with an experienced medical provider and then make the choice right for you.
In general, patients with no chronic conditions and those who are not smokers are the best candidates for this type of surgery. The surgery requires general anesthesia, so you will need to be healthy enough to be able to have general anesthesia administered.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including serious risks such as implant failure and significant bleeding or infection. Patients need to discuss these hazards with their surgeon to determine whether they are willing to accept the risk.
How Can I Schedule an Appointment to Discuss Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery?
At Alliance Orthopedics, our team is committed to helping you Get Better Faster. Our team includes occupational therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers and other professionals who go above and beyond for all our patients.
Our personalized multidisciplinary treatment plans are designed to get patients living their lives again, and we offer a range of services, including surgical and non-surgical options, to help a variety of patients. Make an appointment with the Alliance Orthopedics team today to learn more about what we can do for you.