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Cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA, also known as artificial disk replacement, or ADR) is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots by replacing a degenerated disk with an artificial replacement. In contrast to a spinal fusion, this preserves some degree of motion between the diseased spinal segment.
Disk arthroplasty is used to treat a variety of spinal conditions affecting the neck including spinal stenosis and cervical radiculopathy.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take a few hours to complete. Recovery time can vary, but typically takes several weeks to months.
Cervical disk arthroplasty is a type of surgical procedure that is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots in the neck caused by degeneration of an intervertebral disk. This involves removing a damaged or herniated disc from between two vertebrae in the neck and replacing it with a device designed to preserve some motion properties of the segment.
During the surgery, a small incision is made in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine. The surgeon then removes the damaged disc and any bone spurs or other tissue that may be compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Finally, an arthroplasty device is implanted to replace the removed disk.
Some of the conditions that may be treated with ADR surgery include:
Disk arthroplasty is typically recommended for patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections.
On the day of disk arthroplasty surgery, you can typically expect something like this:
There are many factors that may influence your surgeon’s decision regarding the type of fusion surgery to pursue. Here are a couple of reasons why TLIF may be considered:
It’s important to note that the choice of fusion surgery is highly individualized and depends on various factors, including the patient’s specific condition and spinal anatomy. Additionally, the surgeon’s expertise and experience with a particular fusion surgery may also play a role in determining which procedure is used.
A TLIF surgery typically takes several hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. Here is a general overview of what can be expected during the surgery:
After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area to wake up from anesthesia. You may require a hospital stay for a few days for monitoring and pain management. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are typically recommended to aid in your recovery, restore strength, and improve mobility.
The recovery time after disk arthroplasty can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the surgery, the patient’s overall health, and their ability to follow their post-operative instructions.
However, below is a general timeline of what patients can expect during their recovery.
Most patients can go home the very same day. Others (such as those with pre-existing medical conditions) may spend a short amount of time in the hospital.
Patients are typically advised to rest and limit their activity for the first few weeks after the surgery, as the interface between the vertebral bone and arthroplasty device matures. Patients may need to wear a cervical collar or brace to support their neck during this time.
After the first few weeks, patients may begin physical therapy to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the neck and spine. This typically begins after the first postoperative visit, so your surgeon can ensure you’ve healed enough for physical therapy. Physical therapy may continue for several weeks or months, depending on the patient’s progress.
Patients may be able to return to work and resume normal activities after several weeks, depending on the type of work and the level of physical activity involved.
As with any complex operation, there are several risks associated with disk arthroplasty surgery. Some of these risks include:
Cervical disk arthroplasty is usually recommended after non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections have failed to relieve your symptoms.
Data continues to emerge about which patients respond best to cervical disk arthroplasty or fusion. One theory is that the technique is best reserved for younger patients with relatively isolated disk degeneration. It is a newer technique compared to discectomy & fusion (ACDF) and carries a slightly different risk profile.
There are several factors that your doctor will consider when determining if disk arthroplasty is the right choice for you, including your age, the relative health of nearby spinal segments, and the potential risks and benefits of the surgery.
It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor, as they can provide you with more detailed information about the procedure and help you determine if it is the right choice for you.
