What you need to know about Cervical Disk Replacement

Do you also have constant neck pain, difficulty turning your neck, or a feeling of electric shock-like pain and numbness that runs from your neck down your arm? Your doctor may have told you that the cause is a herniated disc in your cervical spine. So, one successful treatment for this is the cervical disc replacement surgery that we are talking about today. It is normal to feel a little scared when you hear this name, but let's be clear about it.

What is cervical disc replacement surgery (CDR)?

Simply put, this surgery (Cervical Disk Replacement - CDR) involves removing a worn-out, damaged disc between the vertebrae in your neck (cervical spine) and replacing it with an artificial/prosthetic disc.

Think of the discs between the vertebrae in our spine as being like shock absorbers in a car. These are what keep our spine from rubbing together, allowing us to bend, twist, and move our necks easily. Over time, these discs wear down, flatten, and can pinch the nerves that run through them. That's when the pain I mentioned earlier comes.

So the main goal of this surgery is to restore the space that the worn-out disc had, and to relieve nerve compression and reduce pain while maintaining good neck movement. These artificial discs are usually made of metals such as cobalt and titanium.

Who is this surgery recommended for?

This surgery is often recommended for people with cervical degenerative disk disease, which can cause nerve compression (radiculopathy) or spinal cord damage (myelopathy) .

Also, not everyone can have this surgery. If you have certain conditions, you may not be suitable for this.

Your doctor will examine you and decide whether this surgery or another surgery, such as `ACDF` (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion), is best for you.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Your surgeon (an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon who specializes in this) will meet with you before the surgery. Here are some things that may happen:

• A complete physical exam.
• Asking about your medical history and symptoms.
• Requesting scans such as a neck X-ray, MRI, or myelogram.
• Ask about any medications and vitamin supplements you are currently taking (do not stop taking any medications unless your doctor tells you to).
• If you use tobacco products (smoking, chewing gum), be sure to tell your doctor about it. Nicotine slows down wound healing. Therefore, you will be advised to stop using them at least 4 weeks before surgery.

Please ask your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have at this time.

How is the surgery done?

This is how it usually happens.

1. First, an anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia. So you won't feel any pain, and you'll be completely asleep.

2. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the front of the neck.

3. The trachea and larynx are carefully moved aside to reach the spine.

4. Throughout the surgery, the surgery is performed while looking inside using a special X-ray technology called `fluoroscopy`.

5. The damaged disc is carefully removed and a new artificial disc is installed in its place.

6. Finally, everything is put back together and the incision is sewn.

What happens after the surgery and what are the risks?

After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored. You will likely have to stay in the hospital overnight. The doctor and nursing staff will give you any necessary instructions before you go home.

Short-term complications (may occur rarely)

• Wound infection.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Sore throat.

Long-term complications

• Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD): Risk of degeneration of the discs above and below the operated disc.
• Problems with the artificial disc: Very rarely, something like a disc herniation can occur.
• Heterotopic ossification (HO): Unwanted bone growth around the disc. This can limit neck movement.
• Small chance of needing another surgery in the future.

Don't be alarmed by these risks. Most people have very good results from this surgery. Your doctor will explain all of this to you.

How long does it take to fully recover?

It may take about 6 months to fully recover, but you can gradually return to your normal life.

• 2 days after surgery: You can begin daily tasks such as washing yourself and preparing meals on your own.
• In 2-3 weeks: You can engage in light work.
• In 4-6 weeks: You can return to most activities, such as sports (except contact sports).

These times can vary from person to person, so it's very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you experience any of these symptoms after going home from surgery, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• The cut continues to bleed.
• A yellow or green pus-like fluid drains from the cut.
• Unbearable severe pain.
• Fever.
• Increased or persistent difficulty swallowing.
• New weakness or numbness.

Neck pain, artificial disc, Cervical Disk Replacement, spine, nerve compression, surgery, CDR surgery, neck surgery, radiculopathy, myelopathy