![]() Ask your surgeon about his or her training and experience with various disc devices. Many spine surgeons have specialized training in artificial disc replacement devices. Who performs the procedure?Ī neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon can perform spine surgery. In general, younger people (ages 18-60) have better outcomes and get the most benefit from artificial disc replacement. Consider all the risks and benefits before making your decision. If you are a candidate for arthroplasty, the surgeon will explain your options. Most herniated discs heal after a few months of nonsurgical treatment. As the disc thins, the vertebrae bones rub and pinch the nerves. Degenerative disc: the drying and shrinkage of discs with age.Pain and swelling occur when this material presses on a nerve. Herniated disc: the rubbery center of the disc can bulge or rupture through a weak area in the wall (annulus).an unstable spine, spondylolisthesis, or abnormal curvature of the neck (scoliosis/kyphosis).a previous spinal fusion at an adjacent level.facet joint arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. ![]() symptoms that do not improve with physical therapy or medication.significant weakness in your hand or arm.You may be a candidate for cervical disc replacement if you have: Talk with your surgeon about whether fusion or disc replacement is appropriate for you. Long-term studies are needed to prove disc replacement reduces the risk of adjacent segment disease. Over time, this added stress can degrade the adjacent discs, causing new problems and future surgery. This can occur when a fusion imposes extra stress on the movable discs above and below the fusion. Surgeons theorize that arthroplasty can reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease. ACDF and arthroplasty appear equally effective in relieving symptoms caused by disc herniation. ACDF involves removing a damaged disc and inserting a bone graft to fuse the two vertebrae into one solid bone. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the gold standard for surgical treatment of a herniated disc. Outcomes for cervical disc replacement compare favorably to fusion. It can be done as an outpatient surgery where patients go home the same day. Insurance coverage for these devices varies and requires prior authorization.Īrthroplasty can treat discs between vertebrae C3-C7 as a single-level or two-level surgery. In 2013, the FDA approved use at two-levels of the spine. Food & Drug Administration has approved seven artificial cervical disc devices. Lowers the risk of stress to adjacent discs.In contrast, spinal fusion "locks" the bones together.Īdvantages of artificial disc replacement (also called arthroplasty) include:
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