Neck · Motion-preserving surgery
Cervical disc replacement
Replaces a worn or damaged disc in the neck with an artificial disc. It relieves pressure on the nerves or spinal cord while keeping the neck moving.
What is cervical disc replacement?
Your neck has seven bones, called vertebrae, with a disc between each pair. The discs act as cushions and let your neck bend and turn. Over time a disc can wear down or bulge, causing pain and stiffness or pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord.
In a cervical disc replacement, also called cervical arthroplasty, Dr. Wey removes the damaged disc and anything pressing on the nerves. An artificial disc goes in its place. It supports the bones like a healthy disc and lets that level keep moving.
It can treat
How does it compare with a fusion?
Your neck keeps moving
The treated level can still bend and turn. A fusion joins the bones together so that level no longer moves.
No waiting for bone to heal
There is no fusion that has to grow solid, so many people return to daily activities sooner.
Less strain on nearby discs
Studies suggest disc replacement may lower the chance of problems at the levels next to it, compared with fusion.
A small incision
The surgery is done through a small cut in a skin crease on the front of the neck.
Fusion is still the right operation for some problems, such as an unstable spine or a large curve. Dr. Wey recommends whichever one fits your spine.
Am I a candidate?
These are general guides. Dr. Wey decides with you after an exam, a review of your history, and a careful look at your imaging.
Often a good fit
- A disc problem in the neck, such as a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease
- Arm pain, numbness, or weakness from a pinched nerve, or signs of pressure on the spinal cord
- Symptoms that have not improved with non-surgical care
- One or two levels of the neck involved
- Generally good health and good bone strength
Usually not the right choice
- Previous surgery at the same level of the neck
- An unstable spine or a significant deformity
- Advanced arthritis in the small joints at the back of the neck
- Weak bones (osteoporosis)
- Active infection, or certain metal allergies
If disc replacement is not right for you, other options can still help.
What to expect
1Before surgery
- A full visit: your history, an exam, and a review of your MRI or CT scan.
- If disc replacement fits, you get clear instructions to prepare, such as which medicines to pause and when to stop eating.
2During surgery
- You are fully asleep under general anesthesia.
- A small cut is made in a skin crease on the front of your neck.
- Dr. Wey removes the damaged disc and frees the nerves.
- He places the prodisc C implant and checks its position with X-ray.
- The cut is closed, often with dissolvable stitches.
3After surgery
- Most people go home the same day or the next morning.
- A sore throat, hoarse voice, or mild trouble swallowing for a few days is common.
- Walking starts right away. Some people also do physical therapy.
- Follow-up visits and X-rays check your healing.
Dr. Wey goes over the details of your own recovery in person.
The implant: prodisc® C
Dr. Wey uses the prodisc C family of artificial discs, made by Centinel Spine. Each one uses a ball-and-socket design that lets the treated level move in a controlled way.
Necks differ in shape and size, so there are four prodisc C designs. Dr. Wey chooses the one that fits your spine best during surgery.
- prodisc C Vivo and prodisc C SK are FDA-approved for one or two levels.
- prodisc C and prodisc C Nova are FDA-approved for one level, from C3 to C7.
- The prodisc design has been in use since 1990. Centinel Spine reports more than 300,000 implants worldwide and more than 590 published papers.
prodisc® is a registered trademark of Centinel Spine, LLC.
Find out if this is right for you
Bring your MRI and X-rays to your first visit. Office (201) 836-1663