Cervical degenerative disc issues are common among the older population. The condition results in a gradual nuclear degradation, degenerative annular tears, and loss of disc height, which results in cervical radiculopathy and neck or back pains. There are numerous therapies for this condition, but the best remedy is an artificial cervical disc replacement surgery. Let’s look at what artificial disc replacement is and how it works.
What is an Artificial Disc Replacement?
It’s a special spine surgery that involves replacing a degenerative cervical disc from the body’s cervical region. The process involves replacing these discs with an artificial one using an incision on the neck’s front. Medical experts recommend this process to the patient experiencing severe arm and neck pain, coming with weakness or numbness due to severe disc damage. Before the artificial disc replacement, the initial treatment comprises physical or medication therapy. Nevertheless, this special spinal surgery helps to restore the neck’s mobility and stabilize the spine.
How does Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement Works?
The disc replacement process primarily works by replacing the degenerated discs with an artificial one, which mimics the natural disc. Before carrying out the procedures, the medical experts will sedate your body by administering the correct amount of anesthesia. After which, they’ll get you lying on your back on the operation table.
The specialist then approaches the spine through an incision on the front of your neck. He then retracts the trachea, esophagus, and neck muscles carefully to access your cervical spine. After accessing the cervical spine, the doctor uses intraoperative fluoroscopy to identify the affected disc and remove it. It’ll also be essential to remove the outgrowth compressing the nerves or bone spurs to ensure an effective cervical disc replacement process.
After removing the degenerated or affected disc, the specialist carefully inserts the artificial discs in the space between your vertebrae where they removed the other disc. The doctor will also use intraoperative fluoroscopy to enhance a proper and safe replacing process. After the replacement process, the doctor will check for your neck’s range motion and use fluoroscopy to confirm if the artificial disc fits in the space properly. After confirming, they close the incision suture and discharge you after a day of observation.
Final Thoughts
Artificial cervical disc replacement is the safe and proper method of relieving you from any neck pain and discomfort resulting from a degenerative cervical disc. This special spine surgery involves making an incision to access the cervical spine, locating the affected disc, and replacing it with an artificial one. The disc replacement surgery helps restore the proper height between the cervical vertebrae and enlarges the neural foramen, thus relieving pressure on your spinal and neck nerves.