Cervical spine disorders, particularly disc herniations are very common. They can cause a pinched nerve with radiating arm pain, numbness and weakness. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication and injections when needed. If symptoms persist or worsen, a disc replacement procedure is an excellent option.
Tiffany Rogers, MD, is an orthopedic spine specialist, disc replacement expert and Torrance Memorial Physician’s Network physician. She is one of the leading cervical disc replacement specialists in the South Bay.
What is Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement?
Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (C-ADR) procedure is performed with a microscope through a small incision from the front of the neck. C-ADR is designed to replace a damaged cervical intervertebral disc with an artificial disc implant. The procedure aims to maintain normal neck motion while alleviating pain and nerve compression. Unlike fusion surgery, which restricts movement at the affected section, C-ADR allows for continued mobility, reducing the risk of further degeneration.
Who is a candidate for C-ADR?
Patients who can benefit from cervical artificial disc replacement usually present with:
• Cervical disc herniation, arm pain and numbness
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD), headaches, spasms and neck pain
• Radiculopathy (nerve compression causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness)
• Myelopathy (spinal cord compression leading to balance issues)
What does the procedure entail?
The C-ADR procedure follows these general steps:
Incision – A small incision is made in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine.
Disc Removal – a microscope is used to carefully remove the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Implant Placement – An artificial disc, designed to mimic the natural function of a healthy disc, is inserted into the disc space.
What is recovery like?
Patients are typically discharged home the same day. Normal activity is resumed in two to four weeks.
What are the Advantages of C-ADR Over Fusion (ACDF)?
C-ADR has significant advantages including a quick recovery and motion preservation. It maintains natural movement in the cervical spine. Recovery is faster so patients experience a quicker return to normal activities. It also creates a lower risk of future surgery of surrounding discs.
Tiffany Rogers, MD, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network Orthopedics, 23550 Hawthorne Blvd, Ste. 120, in Torrance. She can be reached at 310-517-1216.
