Cervical Disc Arthroplasty – Cervical Surgeon in South Carolina
What is Cervical Disc Arthroplasty?
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty is essentially a joint replacement surgery that requires a surgeon to insert an artificial disc between the vertebrae once the natural disc has been removed. This allows a person to maintain function and eliminate any pain, discomfort, or debilitation they’ve experienced before.
Did you know…
The discs in your spine are made up of two parts. The center, called the nucleus pulposus, is soft and gel-like, while the outer ring (annulus fibrosis) is strong and fibrous. When the disc is healthy, they act as cushions and between your vertebrae. When they’re unhealthy, movement and function are limited and a cervical disc arthroplasty might be required to resume function and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cervical disc arthroplasty help?
The CDA procedure is used to treat disc degeneration. This can be the result of the formation of bone spurs or disc herniation. The most common symptoms associated with herniation are numbness, clumsiness, weakness, and an electric type of pain that radiates from the neck through the arm.
How is this procedure performed?
The cervical disc arthroplasty is performed by making a small incision at the front of your neck. All tissue, including the trachea, is pulled aside to obtain access to the cervical spine. Once the damaged area is identified the disc and bone material are removed to provide more room. Finally, the artificial disc is inserted, the tissues are moved back in place, and the incision is closed.
Am I a candidate for cervical disc arthroplasty?
You’ll need to see Dr. Peelle to determine if you’re truly a candidate for CDA. However, the most common requirements include the following; You’ve been diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy or both with the presence of disc herniation and/or bone spurs. You must have been treated using non-invasive therapies like physical therapy, chiropractic care, exercise, or medications and not seen any improvements. Finally, you should be at least 18 and not be pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery. Patients who are pregnant will have to wait until they give birth to have the procedure performed.