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Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement
A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
What Is a Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement?
Cervical ADR is a neck surgery that swaps a worn‑out disc for an engineered one so you can:
Relieve Chronic neck pain.
Keep natural head‑turning motion.
Protect nearby discs from extra wear.
Understanding Your Neck and Disc Problems
There are 7 small bones to the neck (C1‑C7) that stack like blocks. Each bone is cushioned by a disc that works as a shock absorber and allows the ability to bend, twist and rotate the cervical spine. When a disc shrinks, tears, or slips out of place it can:
Press on spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
Cause pain, tingling, or weakness down your arm.
Limit how far you can turn your head.
Doctors call this cervical degenerative disc disease.
Is Cervical ADR Right for Me?
We may suggest Cervical ADR if you have:
Neck pain that hasn’t improved with medicine, injections, or therapy.
A single or two damaged discs on MRI/CT.
There should not be severe arthritis, instability or fractures on imaging.
Overall good health and a healthy weight.
Benefits (Why Patients Choose ADR)
Pain relief by taking pressure off nerves.
Keeps your natural head rotation (fusion stiffens that segment).
Faster recovery.
Lower chance of future surgery on nearby discs.
Risks and Considerations
Every surgery has risks, though serious issues are uncommon:
Infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
Nerve or voice‑box irritation.
Implant shifting or wearing out over many years.
Rare allergy to the implant’s metal/plastic.
Possibility of a second (“revision”) surgery later.
What Happens on Surgery Day?
The round bullets explain (what the team does) & the square bullets explain (what you’ll notice).
Preparation
You receive general anesthesia; the skin is cleansed.
You’ll be asleep and pain‑free.
Access
A 2–3 cm crease‑line incision in front of the neck; muscles are moved aside.
No large scars; voice may feel hoarse for a day.
Disc Removal
Surgeons remove the damaged disc and any bone spurs touching nerves.
None—you’re still asleep.
Disc Placement
The artificial disc restores spacing and smooth motion.
None—you’re still asleep.
Closure
Incision is closed with sutures and surgical glue.
A small bandage covers the cut.
Surgery typically lasts 1–2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for one night.
Postoperative Imaging
These X‑rays shows our patient moving their neck forward (flexion), backward (extension) and straight. The bright, rectangular device between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (C5‑6) is the artificial disc we placed. It sits neatly between the bones, preserving the normal spacing and allowing the neck to flex smoothly, exactly what we expect after a successful C5‑6 disc replacement.
Recovery: What to Expect
Day 0 (Evening): Sit up and walk; light meals.
First Week: Mild soreness like a stiff neck; gentle turning and nodding encouraged; no lifting > 5 kg.
Weeks 2–6: Light stretching or PT; desk work often resumes in 2–3 weeks.
After 3 Months: Neck range of motion feels normal; most pain gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
For carefully selected patients, Cervical ADR replaces pain with motion. Within weeks most people return to work, family, and hobbies—without the stiffness of a fused neck.
