What is Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement also known as Arthroplasty (ACDR) is an operation to replace a degenerate disc in the neck with a mobile metal or plastic implant

What are the benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Quick Recovery, maintains movement, avoids the need for bone graft, reduces risk of adjacent disc degeneration that may occur with a fusion

When does a Cervical disc need to be replaced?

When there is a degenerate and painful disc causing persistent nerve symptoms or potential nerve damage

What are the risks of Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Nerve injury, Poor placement of implants, Longer operating time if surgeon is not skilled in the technique, Loosening of Implant or wearing away of the surfaces and metal or plastic debris that may enter the blood

What is the cost of Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Depends on the type of surgery but prices can start from £5000 for routine cervical disc surgery

Who do I need to see if i require cervical disc replacement surgery?

At The London Spine Unit our specialists are highly skilled in this type of surgery and will be able to give you the best options of treatment for a degenerate cervical disc.

Cervical Disc Replacement Specialists

History

Although currently a ‘hot topic’, Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement (ACDR) concept is not new

First forays into Spinal Disc Replacement surgery were mage in the 1950’s. Fernstrom used steel ball bearings (1966)(endoprosthesis) implanted into disc spaces

250 procedures were performed in the 1950 & 60’s. Results were poor with segmental hypermobility & balls subsiding through the vertebral endplates.

The Bristol Cummins Disc was invented in the 980’s. 22 were implanted. Complications included being too large, Screw loosening, Galvanic corrosion (titanium-stain steel), Howevere the was no wear even after 8 years.

History

Although currently a ‘hot topic’, Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement (ACDR) concept is not new First forays into Spinal Disc Replacement surgery were mage in the 1950’s. Fernstrom used steel ball bearings (1966)(endoprosthesis) implanted into disc spaces

250 procedures were performed in the 1950 & 60’s Results were poor with segmental hypermobility & balls subsiding through the vertebral endplates.

Cummins BH et al: Surgical experience with an implanted artificial cervical joint. J Neurosurg 88:943–948, 1998

The Prestige I Disc was invented in 1998 and in a Pilot study 15 patients received the disc at levels adjacent to a fusion only.

The new Frenchay artificial cervical joint: results from a two-year pilot study. Spine 27:2446–2452, 2002

Design

Disc Replacements can be one piece or multiple pieces. The joint can be metal on metal or with a plastic spacer.
Cobalt Chrome is one of the toughest metals and is often used in the joint bearing surfaces whereas titanium is used adjacent to bone due to its more natural modulus more similar to bone.

Various methods can be used to fix the disc into bone such as screws and anchors

Potential advantages over Fusion Surgery

Cervical Fusion
95% successful fusion rates in nonsmokers and it is a Tried and tested procedure

Cervical Disc Replacement
Maintains segment motion and reduces adjacent disc disease.
Eliminates need for a bone graft
Faster recovery and reduced hospital LOS (debatable)