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What You Need to Know About Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

• Posted by Monica Quinn November 27, 2022 Filed in Health #health  #Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery  54 views
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  A damaged disc between your neck's vertebrae is replaced with an artificial disc during a cervical disc replacement (CDR). Discs are cushions that resemble gel and serve to lessen friction between your vertebrae.

  The purpose of CDR is to increase neck mobility while minimizing pain. CDR is also known as total disc replacement surgery and anterior cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDR) (TDR).

  CDR is an alternative to stronger spinal fusion techniques that permanently join two vertebrae.

  Our spine's discs can suffer deterioration as we get older, get hurt, or as a result of certain medical disorders. You may experience pain, numbness, or weakness running down your arm if a damaged disc in your neck presses on the roots of neighboring nerves.

  Who Is a Candidate for CDR?

  A herniated disc that is producing neurological (nervous system) symptoms or movement issues is a good candidate for CDR.

  A herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like center of a disc pushes through the outer layer of rubber, also known as a slipped disc. It may arise from an unexpected injury or from disc degeneration brought on by repeated use.

  If a person has one or two damaged discs between vertebrae C3 and C7, is an adult with a fully developed skeleton, or did not experience relief after six weeks of conservative treatment, they may be eligible for CDR if they experience neurological symptoms from a cervical disc, such as weakness or numbness in their arms.

  The CDR may not be available to everyone.

  Disc replacement surgery

  To ensure that you are pain-free throughout CDR, general anesthesia is usually used. To assist you with breathing during the treatment, the surgeon may place a tube in your throat. Your body will be fitted with devices that can measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

  The best way to understand exactly what will take place during your surgery is to ask your medical team.

  Your skin will be cleaned during the operation to get rid of any bacteria there.

  The neck's front or one side will be cut in two to three inches by your surgeon.

  To access your vertebrae, they will move the structures in your neck aside.

  The disc and any bone spurs that are pressing on your nerves will be removed by your surgeon.

  Your neck will have an artificial disc implantation.

  Your surgeon will sew the wound shut and then dress it. You might be given a neck collar to prevent movement of your head and neck.

  Typically, the entire process takes between two and three hours.

  Vs. ACDF procedure

  The gold standard for treating cervical disc disease symptoms for many years has been an operation called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

  In an ACDF, the surgeon removes the injured disc and inserts a bone graft from another area of the patient's body, a donor bone graft, or an artificial disc in its place. Your surrounding vertebrae are then fused together by the surgeon using metal plates and screws.

  A damaged disc can be treated with ACDF to reduce symptoms, however, the fusion of the vertebrae limits neck motion. Additionally, it may affect your other vertebrae.

  Recovery

  After CDR, it typically takes most people 4 to 6 weeks to resume their regular activities.

  According to a 2021 assessment of the literature, 1.8 to 5.4 percent of people who have surgery will require a second procedure within five years.

  CDR is typically successful in easing herniated disc symptoms. The total success rate of CDR was determined to be 60.8 percent for two-disc replacements and 55.2 percent for one-disc replacements in a 2017 clinical trial, according to researchers.

  Researchers discovered that the overall success rate for ACDF was 50 percent for one-disc replacements and 34.2% for two-disc replacements.

  The Bottom Line

  With CDR, an artificial implant is used to replace the natural disc that sits between your neck's vertebrae. A herniated disc that is painful or causes neurological or motor issues are typically treated with it.

  According to research, CDR is a safe and efficient treatment for symptom relief in the majority of surgical patients.

  Your doctor can advise you on whether you are a good candidate for CDR and can also help you get ready for the procedure and the recovery period.