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Cervical Disc Replacement

Neck pain is a common and often debilitating condition that impacts millions of individuals around the world. It can result from several sources, including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. 

Conventional treatments such as physical therapy and medications may offer relief for some, but others might benefit from more advanced options, including cervical artificial disc replacement. 

Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center, a top provider of spine care in Colorado, offers this innovative procedure—bringing hope and improved mobility to those living with persistent neck pain. 

Total Disc Replacement with Dr. Mark Robinson

What is Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (Total Disc Arthroplasty)?

The cervical spine in the neck is made up of seven vertebrae, each separated by intervertebral discs that serve as shock absorbers and enable movement. Over time, these discs can wear out or become damaged, leading to discomfort, limited mobility, and stiffness. 

Cervical disc replacement—also referred to as total disc arthroplasty or artificial disc replacement—is a surgical option that preserves motion and addresses damage in the cervical discs. This procedure is commonly recommended for the following conditions: 

  • Degenerative disc disease 
  • Herniated cervical disc 
  • Cervical radiculopathy 
  • Cervical myelopathy 

During the operation, the injured disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. The replacement device replicates the role of a healthy disc, providing cushioning and support while maintaining natural motion between vertebrae. 

Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement Compared to Spinal Fusion

  • Preserved Movement
    Unlike spinal fusion—which restricts mobility by joining vertebrae together—disc replacement enables full neck motion, including rotation and tilting. 
  • Reduced Recovery Time
    Patients typically experience a quicker return to normal activities after the procedure. 
  • Minimized Discomfort
    This minimally invasive technique usually results in less pain after surgery. 
  • Decreased Chance of Future Spinal Problems
    Disc replacement reduces the likelihood of adjacent segment degeneration, a known concern with spinal fusion. 

Who Might Be a Candidate for Cervical Disc Replacement?

Ideal candidates for cervical disc replacement with Dr. Mark Robinson may include: 

  • Individuals diagnosed with cervical disc conditions like degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. 
  • Patients experiencing radiculopathy (nerve root compression) or myelopathy (spinal cord compression) related to disc damage. 
  • Those who have tried conservative treatments without meaningful improvement. 
  • Patients with one or two affected disc levels in the cervical spine. Those with more extensive disc involvement may still qualify, although outcomes can vary. 
  • Candidates should be in good overall health, with no prior cervical spine surgeries or significant spinal instability or deformities. 

It’s important to note that these are general criteria. A detailed evaluation by your spine specialist is necessary to determine whether disc replacement is appropriate. 

Dr. Mark Robinson, a trusted spine surgeon at Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center, will assess your condition, medical background, and the specifics of your disc disease to determine if this procedure is a suitable solution. 

What to Expect from Cervical Disc Replacement

At Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center, cervical artificial disc replacement is carried out with a patient-focused approach that aims to enhance results while minimizing discomfort. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect: 

Pre-operative Assessment 

Your care starts with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Robinson will review your history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a physical exam. 

Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans will help determine the severity of your condition and confirm whether disc replacement is an appropriate choice. 

You’ll also receive detailed pre-surgery instructions, including dietary and medication guidance. 

During Surgery

You’ll be admitted to a hospital or surgical facility the day of surgery. 

  • General anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the operation. 
  • A small incision is made in the front of the neck to access the damaged disc. 
  • Your surgeon will carefully removed the damaged disc to make room for the artificial implant. 
  • The new disc, which is designed to mimic natural motion and support, is placed and secured. Dr. Robinson uses the Prodisc C implant for this procedure. 
  • The incision is then closed using sutures or surgical staples. 

Post-Surgery Recovery

Following surgery, you’ll be observed in the recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. You may be discharged the same day or stay overnight for monitoring. 

Pain medications will be provided as needed, and physical therapy may be recommended to help restore neck mobility and strength. 

Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor healing and progress. 

More personalized recovery details will be shared directly with you during your visits. 

Prodisc C Total Disc Replacement

The objective of the Prodisc C disc replacement is to restore normal spine movement and significantly lessen pain. 

The spine’s motion is restored through the device’s action, while pain relief is accomplished by reestablishing disc height, which the implant helps maintain. 

By restoring disc height and removing the problematic disc, compressed nerve passages are relieved, and spinal joints return to their natural alignment. 

Before artificial discs were developed, the main surgical approach was spinal fusion, which permanently joined vertebrae using hardware, bone material, or cages. 

Prodisc C is intended to preserve motion at the treated disc level and lower excess strain on adjacent spinal discs. 

Our skilled surgical and non-surgical team is with you at every step, supporting a safe, effective operation and a smooth recovery. (Find out more about Prodisc C total disc replacement.) 

Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center: Advanced Spine Care You Can Trust

We recognize how chronic back pain can disrupt your life. That’s why our expert spine specialists are committed to helping you move toward a more active, pain-free future.