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Artificial cervical disc replacement is a spinal surgery procedure designed to treat patients suffering from spine conditions that cause arm and neck pain and occasionally myelopathy. As a leading spine surgery clinic, University Spine Associates’ state of the art facilities allow this modern motion preservation technology to be an option for our patients. Dr Blecher is certified in the Prodisc –C artificial disc replacement. Even though it is a promising cervical spine surgery, artificial cervical disc replacement does not have much long term data in the United States. It is imperative that patients seeking out Total disc replacement know the pros and potential cons of this technology.
The procedure, much like anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, involves surgical exposure from the front of the neck through the throat to remove the degenerative or herniated disc. The removed disc is replaced with an artificial cervical disc that aims to preserve motion at the disc space. Artificial cervical disc replacement is a surgical alternative to the current gold standard which is a cervical fusion. It is aimed at preserving the motion at the operative disc level and possibly decreasing the stresses of the cervical discs above and below the surgical level , as compared to a cervical fusion.
University Spine Associates may recommend artificial disc replacements for patients who:
- Have ruptured, herniated, or degenerative cervical discs at a single level only.
- Experience symptoms that have not improved with physical therapy , medication and other non operative modalities.
- Wish to maintain normal neck motion and return faster to normal activity.
Artificial cervical disc replacement may not be for all patients with arm or neck pain or suffering from degenerative disc disease. University Spine Associates will work with you to decide if this treatment is right for you and explore all options and possibilities. Contact us to schedule a consultation today if you are experiencing severe neck, arm, or back pain or have been diagnosed with degenerative, herniated, or ruptured discs.
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