Cervical Disc Replacement

What is cervical disc replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve chronic neck and arm pain caused by a damaged or herniated disc in the cervical spine. Unlike a spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together, this procedure removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. The goal is to preserve motion and flexibility in the neck while reducing pain.

Why your provider may recommend it

A patient may be a candidate for cervical disc replacement if they have:

• Chronic neck pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
• Symptoms that do not improve with physical therapy, medication, or injections
• Disc damage caused by a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease

A thorough exam and imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, will determine if this procedure is the best option.

Before surgery:

• Patients receive specific instructions about food and drink restrictions.
• Certain medications may need to be paused.
• A driver is required for transportation home after the procedure.

During surgery:

• The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
• A small incision is made in the front of the neck to access the spine.
• The damaged disc is removed.
• An artificial disc is implanted to restore disc height and preserve motion.
• The incision is closed with sutures or staples.

After surgery:

• Patients recover in a monitored setting.
• Most are discharged the same day or the following morning.
• Instructions for incision care and pain management are provided.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and mobility.

Recovery & outlook

• 1–2 weeks: Patients usually return to light activity or desk work. Mild stiffness or soreness is common.
• 4–6 weeks: Most patients are cleared for moderate activity and may begin physical therapy.
• 3–6 months: Significant improvement in pain and function is typically achieved, with a return to full activity.

Cervical disc replacement is designed to provide lasting pain relief, preserve neck motion, and support a quicker recovery compared to spinal fusion.

The benefits

A successful cervical disc replacement can provide:

• Significant reduction in neck and arm pain
• Preservation of neck motion and flexibility
• Faster recovery compared to fusion surgery
• Return to an active, pain-free lifestyle

FAQs

Will the implant set off airport security?

The implant is made of medical-grade materials and is unlikely to be detected by standard metal detectors.

How long will the artificial disc last?

The goal is for the implant to last a lifetime, although long-term research is ongoing.

Will a neck brace be needed?

A neck brace is generally not required after cervical disc replacement, unlike with fusion procedures.

Schedule a consultation

Patients experiencing chronic neck or arm pain may benefit from cervical disc replacement. The Iowa Ortho spine team can help determine if this procedure is the right solution.