ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT
ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT
Like an anterior discectomy and fusion, the diseased or herniated cervical disc is surgically removed through a small minimal incision from the front of the neck. However, instead of placing a bone and plate, a motion preservation device, artificial disc replacement is inserted. This allows the neck to move in a normal fashion, like a total knee or hip replacement.
Anterior cervical disc replacement is mostly performed for one to three level disc diseases. This procedure is commonly performed as an outpatient. No hospital stay, and the patient can return home in a few hours after surgery. Recovery is fast with return to light or normal activity after 2-4 weeks. Resolution of arm pain may resolve almost immediately after spine surgery; arm weakness of numbness may take longer.