Artificial Cervical Disk Arthroplasty (Artificial Disk Replacement)

Before talking about artificial cervical disk arthroplasty, we need to know that the cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) that support the head and allow for a wide range of motion, including bending forward and backward, side-to-side, and rotation. Between most of these vertebrae are intervertebral discs, which are soft, cushion-like structures that absorb shock and maintain proper spacing for the spinal cord and nerve roots. There is no disc between C1 and C2.

In addition to the discs, facet joints and supporting ligaments provide stability while still 

permitting motion. A healthy cervical spine balances between flexibility and strength, allowing everyday movements such as driving, working at a computer, or looking over your shoulder without pain. When one or more discs deteriorate, this balance can be disrupted, leading to pain and neurological symptoms, known as degenerative disc disease.

One of the most common causes of neck pain leading to artificial cervical disk arthroplasty is degenerative disk disease (DDD). As part of the natural aging process, cervical discs gradually lose water content and elasticity. Over time, this can result in reduced disc height, increased stress on surrounding joints, and irritation or compression of nearby nerves.

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not truly a “disease,” but rather a description of age-related wear and tear that occurs in nearly everyone to some degree. For some individuals, however, these changes become painful or disabling and may interfere with daily activities.

Symptoms occur when a damaged disc irritates or compresses nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord. Symptoms related to cervical disc degeneration can vary in severity and may include:
Neck pain that worsens with movement or prolonged activity

• Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
• Weakness in the hands or arms
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the neck

These symptoms are often the reason patients consider artificial cervical disk arthroplasty after conservative treatments fail.

Most patients with cervical degenerative disc disease improve with non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted injections. Surgery is considered only when symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative care or when neurological deficits progress.

Surgical decisions are highly individualized and made after careful discussion between the patient and surgeon. Seeking a second opinion is often encouraged to ensure a thorough understanding of all available options.

The two most common surgical treatments are anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) and/or cervical disk arthroplasty, also known as artificial disc replacement.

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) involves removing the diseased disc and fusing the adjacent vertebrae together using a bone graft and instrumentation. This eliminates motion at the treated level and has long been considered the gold standard procedure, with decades of evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. However, because the bones must heal together, recovery and return to full activity may take longer. The movement of the neck is reduced and the health of the rest of the spine is also at risk.
• Artificial Cervical Disk Arthroplasty (Artificial Disk Replacement) also removes the damaged disc, but replaces it with a motion-preserving artificial implant. The goal is to maintain more natural movement at the treated level while relieving pain and nerve compression. Because fusion is avoided, patients often experience a faster recovery and earlier return to normal activities. The neck motion is preserved and the health of the rest of the spine is more secured.

Clinical studies suggest that cervical disk arthroplasty may provide similar, or in some cases improved, functional outcomes compared with fusion, with low complication rates. Long-term differences in reoperation rates and adjacent segment degeneration are still being studied. However, adjacent segment disease appears to occur less frequently with motion-preserving surgeries, such as with cervical disc arthroplasty.

The small, carefully placed cervical disk replacement incision is typically made in the front of the neck. This anterior (front) approach allows surgeons to access the cervical spine with minimal disruption to muscles and surrounding tissues. The incision usually heals well and becomes less noticeable over time.

Artificial cervical disk arthroplasty indications do not apply to every patient. Certain conditions may make fusion a safer or more effective option. These include:

• Prior cervical spine surgery that alters normal anatomy
• Significant spinal instability or fractures
• Advanced arthritis of the facet joints
• Severe spinal deformity, such as advanced scoliosis
• Systemic inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis

A detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI) determine whether cervical disk replacement near me is a suitable option for you.

Clinical studies suggest that disc arthroplasty may provide similar, or in some cases improved, functional outcomes compared with fusion, with lower complication rates. Long-term differences in reoperation rates and adjacent segment degeneration are still being studied.

Recovery following cervical disc arthroplasty is often quicker than fusion because the vertebrae do not need to heal into a single solid bone. Many patients return to light activities within a few weeks rather than several months.

Some patients may wear a soft cervical collar briefly, followed by a structured physical therapy program focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and normal motion. Pain relief often begins within the first few weeks after surgery, with continued improvement over time.

As with any procedure, outcomes depend on careful patient selection, surgeon experience, and adherence to postoperative instructions. Choosing a surgeon experienced in artificial cervical disk arthroplasty, like Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, plays a critical role in optimizing recovery and long-term outcomes.

This procedure is not universally better, but for many appropriate candidates, cervical artificial disk replacement can result in preserved neck motion and flexibility and often faster recovery and reduced stiffness. Many studies show equal or slightly better outcomes with disk replacement after 4–5 years compared with cervical fusion. However, disk replacement is not ideal for everyone, as fusion may be better in cases of severe instability, facet arthritis, or poor bone quality.

These disks last at least 10–20+ years in many patients, and possibly much longer.