Cervical Disc Replacement
If one of the discs in the cervical spine (neck) is damaged due to conditions like herniation or degenerative disc disease, cervical disc replacement may be an option. During a cervical disc replacement, the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc. This relatively new technology allows for the same type of function as a normal disc and may be an alternative to spinal fusion. Cervical Disc Replacement What is an Artificial Disc? Artificial cervical discs are designed to mimic the function of a normal cervical disc. Several artificial disc implants have been approved for use in the United States by the FDA in recent years, but they have been used in other countries for longer periods of time. Artificial discs are made up of two metal surfaces, which are attached to the ends of the vertebrae above and below the disc space. The disc itself is replaced with a medical-grade plastic insert. How is the Procedure Performed? A cervical disc replacement, or arthroplasty, is usually perfo...
