Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho’s Eligible?Disc Degeneration SymptomsDuring SurgeryDisc Replacement vs. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)PreparationRecoveryComplications and RisksOutlook
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Who’s Eligible?
Disc Degeneration Symptoms
During Surgery
Disc Replacement vs. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Preparation
Recovery
Complications and Risks
Outlook
Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is a surgical procedure for replacing a damaged disc between the vertebrae in your neck with an artificial disc. The goal is to improve mobility through the neck and reduce pain. CDR is sometimes called anterior cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDR) or total disc replacement (TDR). CDR is also an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.
This article will cover the important need-to-know details, including signs ofdisc degeneration disease(DDD), who is eligible for replacement surgery, what happens during the procedure, how to prepare and what to expect regarding recovery timelines, possible risks and complications, and outcome.
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What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Who’s Eligible for Cervical Disc Replacement?
If cervical disc degeneration is causing neck pain and arm pain, and you’re between the ages of 18 and 60 with disc degeneration disease, you may be eligible for cervical disc replacement.Your healthcare provider will administer tests to determine whether this procedure makes sense for you.
Cervical Disc Degeneration
Specific criteria for cervical disc replacement include:
The American Association for Neurological Surgeons states this procedure is not recommended for people who have had spinal fusion surgery or surgical procedures in the past.
How Is Degenerative Disc Disease Treated?
The main symptom of disc degeneration is pain. A range of physical sensations such as radiating pain, tingling, and numbness can be expected.
Disc degeneration disease symptoms:
Causes of Back Pain and Treatment Options
What Happens During Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?
The average hospital stay for this procedure is a few days.A person will be underanesthesiaduring disc replacement surgery. Depending on the disc location, a small incision will be made so the surgeon can access the front of the spine through the neck area or abdomen.The disc will be removed and replaced with an artificial one. Any collapse of other discs will also be repaired at this time.
What to Pack for the Hospital
Herniated Disc Surgery: Overview
How to Prepare for Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Before surgery, it is also recommended to avoid or quit smoking as smoking interferes with the body’s ability to heal and increases your risk of infection. You will also be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a period of time before surgery, usually at midnight the night before.
How to Realistically Quit Smoking: 24+ Steps to Take Right Now
Cervical Disc Replacement Recovery
Many factors influence a person’s recovery after surgery. However, experts say the general length of time for recovery after cervical disc replacement is six to eight weeks. The recovery process may include increasing activities such as walking or stretching at your own pace for the first month.
Then, your surgeon or healthcare provider may recommend a strengthening exercise program and notify you when you can resume other physical activities, including sports.
You can also expect a follow-up appointment four to six weeks after the surgery and at three months, six months, and a year after that.
Recovering From Surgery
Cervical Disc Replacement Complications and Risks
Cervical disc replacement is a relatively new procedure in the United States, and has been deemed safe. Every surgical procedure carries some risk, though. The following complications and risks can occur with this procedure.
Consulting with your surgeon is encouraged if you have concerns about risks and complications from disc replacement surgery.
What’s the Outlook After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?
Cervical disc replacement surgery outlook includes reduced or resolved pain symptoms and increased mobility along with preserving the health of other spinal discs.Estimates suggest discs tend to last 40 or more years, so while they are long-lasting, some people may need a replacement depending on age of first surgery.
Recovery After Surgery
Summary
Risks and complications include general surgery risks and specific risks associated with spinal surgery. Recovery can take between six to eight weeks. Outlook is good with reduced pain and improved mobility.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UCSF Health.Disc replacement.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Artificial cervical disc surgery – treatments, complications and outcomes.Cedars-Sinai.Degenerative disc disease.DISC Sports and Spine Center.Five steps that make for a successful artificial disc replacement.Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.What will rehab be like for cervical disc replacement?Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery.Artificial disc replacement.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UCSF Health.Disc replacement.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Artificial cervical disc surgery – treatments, complications and outcomes.Cedars-Sinai.Degenerative disc disease.DISC Sports and Spine Center.Five steps that make for a successful artificial disc replacement.Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.What will rehab be like for cervical disc replacement?Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery.Artificial disc replacement.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
UCSF Health.Disc replacement.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Artificial cervical disc surgery – treatments, complications and outcomes.Cedars-Sinai.Degenerative disc disease.DISC Sports and Spine Center.Five steps that make for a successful artificial disc replacement.Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.What will rehab be like for cervical disc replacement?Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery.Artificial disc replacement.
UCSF Health.Disc replacement.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Artificial cervical disc surgery – treatments, complications and outcomes.
Cedars-Sinai.Degenerative disc disease.
DISC Sports and Spine Center.Five steps that make for a successful artificial disc replacement.
Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.What will rehab be like for cervical disc replacement?
Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery.Artificial disc replacement.
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