Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or diseased cervical spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. The goal of this procedure is to relieve pain while preserving the natural function and range of motion in the neck.

Cervical discs are soft, cushion-like structures between the vertebrae of the cervical spine that provide both flexibility and shock absorption. When one of these discs becomes worn or injured, it can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a significantly diminished quality of life.

For patients who have not found relief through non-surgical treatments, cervical disc replacement offers a modern, minimally invasive, and motion-preserving alternative.

At CalSpine MD, this advanced procedure is performed by Dr. Hieu Ball, our board-certified spine surgeon with more than two decades of experience. Dr. Ball uses the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure optimal results.

What is Cervical Disc Replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is an innovative surgical technique used to treat cervical disc degeneration while preserving motion in the neck. It is also known as cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) or cervical disc arthroplasty.

Cervical disc replacement is an FDA-approved procedure for both one-level and two-level cervical disc disease. In this context, a "level" refers to the number of vertebral disc segments being treated.

A one-level replacement involves replacing a single disc between two vertebrae.
A two-level procedure addresses two adjacent discs that are both affected.

This procedure involves:

Removing the Damaged Disc: Just like with the ACDF procedure, the intervertebral disc that presses on your spinal cord or nerve roots is carefully removed.
Inserting an Artificial Disc: Unlike the ACDF procedure, which involves a bone graft for fusion, an artificial disc implant designed to mimic the natural disc's movement is inserted into the empty disc space with careful precision.
Maintaining Motion: The artificial disc allows for continued movement at that spinal segment, potentially reducing stress on adjacent discs.

Dr. Ball offers cervical disc replacement as a cutting-edge option for eligible patients seeking to relieve pain while maintaining neck flexibility.

How Artificial Discs Work

Cervical disc replacement uses a specially made disc to replace your damaged disc in the neck. This artificial disc helps keep your neck moving naturally and supports the proper alignment of your spine.

Artificial discs are designed to handle the everyday pressures and movement your neck goes through. They allow your neck to move in all the ways it normally does, including:

Flexion - Bending the neck forward
Extension - Bending the neck backward
Side bending - Tilting the head to either shoulder
Rotation - Turning the head left or right

The replacement disc is carefully chosen based on your anatomy and specific condition. These discs are made from medical-grade materials, such as metal and plastic (usually cobalt-chromium, titanium, and polyethylene). They are designed to copy the function of a healthy, natural disc as closely as possible.

At CalSpine MD, we use the most advanced and trusted artificial disc systems available to ensure lasting results for our patients. Two of the most widely used and FDA-approved artificial discs we work with include the prodisc® C Total Disc Replacement and the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc.

Cervical Disc Replacement vs. ACDF

Before cervical disc replacement became widely available, the standard treatment for damaged cervical discs was anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

In an ACDF procedure, the damaged disc is removed, and the adjacent bones are permanently joined together using bone grafts and metal parts. While fusion can be effective, it also has some drawbacks. Since the bones are fused together and can no longer move, more pressure is placed on the nearby discs, which can lead to faster wear and tear in those areas.

Cervical disc replacement, on the other hand, offers several key advantages over ACDF:

It keeps your neck moving normally.
It helps you recover faster.
It reduces stress on the other parts of your spine.
It feels more natural after surgery.

However, not every patient is a candidate for disc replacement, and in some cases, ACDF may be the better or safer choice. Dr. Ball has expertise in performing both procedures and will select the option that is safest, least disruptive, and most effective based on your condition.

Ideal Candidate for Cervical Disc Replacement

You may be a good candidate for cervical disc replacement in the following cases.

Confirmed Diagnosis: It is generally recommended for patients diagnosed with cervical disc degeneration, herniated discs, or nerve root compression at one or two levels. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies (MRI or CT), physical exams, and a review of your symptoms.
No Relief with Conservative Treatments: If your symptoms have not responded well to non-surgical treatments, cervical disc replacement could be an alternative to spinal fusion.
Overall Good Health: Candidates should be in good general health and physically able to undergo surgery and recovery.

Cervical disc replacement is not typically recommended for patients with:

More than two levels of disc disease
Spinal deformities or significant instability
Severe osteoporosis
Prior fusion or surgical hardware at the affected level
Active infections
Neurological conditions unrelated to disc problems

At CalSpine MD, cervical disc replacement is carefully considered for patients who meet the criteria for this approach. His deep experience in advanced spinal procedures means Dr. Ball evaluates each case individually to determine what treatment is right for you.

What to Expect During the Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

Cervical disc replacement is a carefully planned procedure that prioritizes both safety and motion preservation. At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball leads your care with over 20 years of surgical experience. Our team ensures your comfort, safety, and the best possible surgical outcome throughout the procedure.

Before Surgery

Before your procedure, we conduct a full assessment of your overall health, including blood work and a review of any existing medical conditions. This helps us ensure you are well-prepared to tolerate both the procedure and the recovery period.

Our team will provide detailed pre-operative instructions to help you get ready for surgery. These typically include fasting, medication adjustments and lifestyle changes to support optimal healing and reduce surgical risks.

During the Procedure

On the day of surgery, our team will administer general anesthesia to ensure you remain pain-free throughout the procedure.

Once you are fully under anesthesia, Dr. Ball will make a small horizontal incision at the front of your neck. He then carefully accesses the damaged disc while minimizing disruption to the surrounding muscles.

During the procedure, Dr. Ball will:

Gently move aside the muscles and surrounding tissues
Remove the damaged disc
Clear and prepare the space between the vertebrae
Precisely place the new artificial disc into position

After the disc is securely in place, the incision is closed with absorbable sutures beneath the skin and covered with a small bandage.

Throughout the procedure, Dr. Ball relies on advanced and specialized instruments to ensure accurate placement and alignment of the disc. In some cases, he may use robotic-assisted technology to further enhance surgical precision. During surgery, the robotic system provides steady visual guidance and stability, helping Dr. Ball with navigation and precision.

After Surgery

After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room where our team will monitor your vital signs as you wake from anesthesia. Depending on your individual progress and the complexity of your surgery, you may be discharged the same day or asked to stay overnight for observation.

Mild soreness in the neck or throat area is common due to the incision made at the front of the neck, but this typically resolves within a few days.

Recovery After Cervical Disc Replacement

Recovery after cervical disc replacement typically takes about 6 to 12 weeks.

While cervical disc replacement allows for quicker recovery, you are still advised to avoid certain activities during the early stages of healing.

No heavy lifting or high-impact activities for several weeks
No driving until cleared by your surgeon
Avoid prolonged neck strain (e.g., excessive screen time or overhead lifting)

Thanks to Dr. Ball’s minimally invasive surgical approach, many patients return to normal activities sooner than expected. Our staff will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including:

Pain management strategies
Activity restrictions for the early recovery phase
Information on how to care for your incision site
Follow-up scheduling with Dr. Ball to monitor your progress

Expected Outcomes After Cervical Disc Replacement

Many patients who undergo cervical disc replacement experience significant relief from their pain and improved function. You can generally expect:

Significant Reduction in Pain: Relief from arm pain, numbness, tingling, and often neck pain.
Preserved Neck Motion: The ability to move your neck more naturally after treatment.
Improved Neurological Function: As nerve pressure is alleviated, strength, sensation, and coordination in the arms and hands often improve.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Many patients report a substantial improvement in their ability to perform daily activities and enjoy a more active, comfortable lifestyle.

Cervical Disc Replacement in San Ramon, CA

Cervical disc replacement is a cutting-edge solution for individuals suffering from neck pain due to degenerative disc disease or disc herniation. This motion-preserving procedure offers long-term relief without sacrificing spinal mobility.

At CalSpine MD, board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Ball brings extensive experience and surgical precision to every cervical disc replacement he performs. If you have been diagnosed with a cervical disc condition and are exploring your options, we can help.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ball, please call us at (925) 838-8830 or request an appointment online.

FAQs

Is cervical disc replacement better than spinal fusion surgery?

It depends on your specific condition and goals. CDR offers motion preservation, while fusion provides stability. Dr. Ball will discuss which option is best for you.

How long does an artificial disc last?

Artificial discs are designed for long-term durability, but like any implant, they may eventually show wear. Research continues to support their long-term efficacy.

Will I need a neck brace after cervical disc replacement?

You will be fitted with a soft cervical collar. This is typically worn for 2 to 4 weeks following surgery and may be removed as tolerated.

When can I return to work/activities after cervical disc replacement?

Return to light office work may be possible within 1-3 weeks. More strenuous activities will require a longer recovery, often 6-12 weeks, depending on your individual healing and Dr. Ball's recommendations.