Cervical disc replacement is an operation to replace a damaged disc in the neck with an artificial disc, preserving movement at the treated level. It is an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
An incision is made in the front of the neck. The damaged disc is completely removed, decompressing the nerve root or spinal cord. An artificial disc — usually made of metal with a plastic core — is inserted in its place. The wound is closed and covered with a dressing. The operation takes approximately one to two hours.
Disc replacement is considered for cervical disc herniation or cervical spondylotic myelopathy at one or two levels when the patient wishes to preserve neck movement and meet specific criteria regarding bone quality and spinal alignment.
Physiotherapy, pain medication including neuropathic agents, cervical epidural injection, activity modification. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the main surgical alternative.
Standard pre-assessment. CT and MRI scans for planning. You may need to fast before surgery.
The aim is to relieve arm pain and/or spinal cord compression while preserving neck movement at the treated level. This may reduce the risk of adjacent level degeneration compared to fusion. Results are generally comparable to or slightly better than fusion for well-selected patients.
Very common after surgery through the front of the neck. Usually settles within a few days.
Temporary change in voice quality due to nerve stretching during the approach. Usually resolves.
Expected initially and improves with exercises.
The artificial disc may shift or sink into the vertebra.
Unwanted bone formation around the implant that may restrict movement.
Risk to nerve roots or spinal cord. Arm weakness or numbness.
Damage to the nerve controlling the voice box, causing persistent hoarseness. Usually temporary.
Very rare injury to the food pipe.
Very rare injury to major blood vessels in the neck.
Blood collection in the neck causing swelling and breathing difficulty. A surgical emergency.
General anaesthesia. Neuromonitoring may be used.
Hospital stay of one to two days. A soft collar may be worn for comfort. Gentle neck exercises begin early. Return to desk work at two to four weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for six to twelve weeks. Most patients recover quickly.
Wound check at two weeks. Surgeon review with X-rays at six weeks and six months. Long-term monitoring of the disc replacement.
Disc replacement preserves movement at the operated level and may reduce the risk of increased wear on adjacent discs over time.
No. Patients with significant spinal arthritis, instability, or osteoporosis may be better suited to fusion. Your surgeon will advise.
Long-term data is still accumulating, but current evidence suggests good durability over 10–15 years.