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Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical Disc Replacement in Cincinnati

Cervical disc replacement surgery involves the removal of a damaged intervertebral disc and its replacement with an artificial disc. At Beacon Orthopaedics, our spine specialists perform cervical disc replacement to help patients achieve considerable relief from symptoms of cervical disc disease or injuries when more conservative treatments are not effective.

What is Cervical Disc Replacement?

The spine is made up of a series of small bones, called vertebrae, which are categorized according to three segments. The top seven bones of the spine are known as the cervical vertebrae. These bones are stacked on top of each other, with cervical discs between the bones that serve to absorb shock and cushion the spine.1

Usually due to wear and tear or an injury, intervertebral discs can become damaged, herniated, or compressed. This can put pressure on the nearby vertebrae and nerves and may cause narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Numbness

When conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication do not provide adequate symptom relief, a cervical disc replacement may be performed. This involves the removal of a damaged intervertebral disc and replacing it with an artificial disc.2,3

The Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure

Cervical disc replacement is performed under general anesthesia. To begin the procedure, a one- to two-inch incision is made in the side of the neck. The surgeon exposes the damaged cervical disc and removes it, then replaces it with a metal artificial disc. The incision is then closed and the patient is gently awakened from anesthesia.

Recovery After Cervical Disc Replacement

Following cervical disc replacement surgery, most patients spend one to two nights in the hospital as they begin their recovery. Patients will wear a cervical neck brace to support the treated area, and are usually able to resume some activities within a few days.

Contact Beacon Orthopaedics

If you are troubled by symptoms of a herniated cervical disc, degenerative disc disease, or a pinched nerve in the cervical spine that has not responded to conservative treatment, you may be a good candidate for cervical disc replacement. To learn more about your treatment options, please contact the spine experts at Beacon Orthopaedics in Cincinnati.

1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Spine Basics. Available: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/spine-basics/. Accessed July 30, 2021.
2 Hopkins Medicine. Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cervical-disk-replacement-surgery. Accessed July 30, 2021.
3 American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery. Available: https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Artificial-Cervical-Disc. Accessed July 30, 2021.