Cervical Disc Replacement

Consider cervical disc replacement if you have a herniated or damaged intervertebral disc in your neck. This treatment eases pain, restores mobility, and improves our patients’ quality of life. At his practice in Santa Monica, California, orthopedic spine surgeon William Sheppard, MD, MPH, specializes in cervical disc replacement. He takes a minimally invasive approach, requiring smaller incisions, causing fewer complications, and leading to a quicker recovery. Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule a cervical disc replacement consultation, or book your appointment online.

What is cervical disc replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is a spine surgery that replaces a damaged intervertebral disc in your neck with a prosthetic one.

Intervertebral discs are small, rubbery pieces of tissue that cushion the vertebrae (spinal bones). They absorb shock and let you bend, move, and twist comfortably.

The goal of cervical disc replacement is to restore the space between the vertebrae in your neck. This reduces pressure on the nerve roots and helps relieve pain.

Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement?

Dr. Sheppard could recommend cervical disc replacement if you have severe neck pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments like rest, activity changes, and physical therapy. That’s especially true if you have:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoporosis
• Facet arthritis (arthritis affecting the spine’s facet joints)
• Severe neuromuscular disorders (for example, spinal muscular atrophy)

Dr. Sheppard makes personalized treatment recommendations after an exam, diagnostic imaging, and a discussion of your symptoms.

What does cervical disc replacement involve?

Cervical disc replacement surgery typically takes two to three hours.

On the day of your operation, you lie on your back on an operating table. An anesthesiologist gives you general anesthesia, causing you to fall asleep.

After the anesthetic sets in, Dr. Sheppard makes a small incision in the front of your neck. Then, he pushes your esophagus and trachea to the side and uses X-ray-guided imaging to access the damaged disc in your neck.

Dr. Sheppard carefully removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one. Then, he removes the tools, puts your esophagus and trachea back into position, and closes the incision.

What is recovery like after cervical disc replacement?

After cervical disc replacement, you spend at least one night in the hospital. It’s normal to experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising as the anesthetic wears off. Get plenty of rest, take medications as prescribed, and limit physical activity.

After being discharged from the hospital, you’ll begin physical therapy. Physical therapy uses stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual treatments like massage to restore your neck’s range of motion and promote healing.

It takes about six months for your body to fully heal. However, most people return to work and light activities within two to three weeks.

Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule a cervical disc replacement consultation, or book your appointment online.