What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Cervical disc replacement (also called cervical disc arthroplasty) treats a herniated or degenerated disc by removing it and implanting an artificial disc in its place, rather than fusing the two adjacent vertebrae together. The device is designed to preserve near-normal motion at the treated level, which may reduce stress on the discs above and below compared to fusion.
Who It's For
Good candidates typically have single or two-level cervical disc disease causing radiculopathy or focal myelopathy, without significant facet joint arthritis, instability, or prior fusion at an adjacent level. It's often considered for younger, more active patients who place a premium on preserving neck motion. Patients with significant osteoporosis, spinal instability, or advanced arthritis are usually better suited to ACDF.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The approach is nearly identical to ACDF: a small incision in the front of the neck allows access to the spine, and the damaged disc is carefully removed to decompress the nerve or spinal cord. Instead of bone graft and a fusion plate, an artificial disc — typically a metal-on-polymer or metal-on-metal device — is sized and inserted into the disc space, restoring disc height while preserving motion.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients go home the same day or after a short overnight stay. Because no fusion needs to heal, a rigid collar usually isn't required, or is used only briefly for comfort. Neck motion is encouraged early, and most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and to full activity over four to six weeks, guided by physical therapy as needed.