Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement
Damaged discs in the cervical spine may cause neck pain, which could radiate across the shoulders and down to the area between the shoulder blades. Headaches are often experienced, too.
When to Consider Disc Replacement Surgery
If neck pain is persistent and intrusive and cannot be controlled by more conservative forms of treatment, disc replacement may be a good option to consider, particularly if the problem discs are only at one or two levels.
Disc replacement can be undertaken at more than two levels in the cervical spine but there are increasing uncertainties if problems exist at several levels. Sometimes pain radiating down the arm presents more of a problem than back pain. Often this will settle spontaneously, usually within a few weeks, but if it does not and an MRI confirms the cause to be a disc protrusion in the neck, removal of the troublesome disc and disc replacement may be appropriate. It is certainly a good alternative to the traditional option of cervical fusion.
However, there are some circumstances in which disc replacement would be inadvisable. Disc replacement may not be a good idea if the disc has become very narrow or if there are pronounced secondary changes affecting the vertebrae or the facet joints. Furthermore, the disc replacement needs a sound bony foundation, such that if the bone is weak the disc replacement may sink or subside into the bone. Mr Boeree may well recommend a check to ascertain whether thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) has occurred, particularly in women over 50 and men over 55. If there is significant thinning of the bones in the spine disc replacement should not be undertaken.
Quick Links
In memory of Nick Boeree
Following the sudden death of Nick Boeree we have set up a tribute page to allow you to share your memories, thoughts, and feelings. Click here.
My experience at The Spine Clinic could not have been better. Nick and the entire staff were extremely competent and professional and everything was done to make me as comfortable as possible for the surgery. Most importantly, it was a great success.
Tyler Dylan-Hyde
