Question 1

what is a cervical disc replacement with fusion?

Accepted Answer

Fusion: Replacement these days often refers to an artificial disk. As you are using the term, the disk is removed and replaced with a spacer (bone, metal, plastic, bone substitute). The plate and screws provide additional stability. The bones connected by the spacer and plate grow together (ideally) to form a single bone.

Question 2

can you provide some advice for someone who's had a cervical disc replacement?

Accepted Answer

Depends on type: This would depend on the type of cervical disc replacement that was done. Generally, the most common type is an anterior cervical disc excision and fusion. This is where the herniated disc is removed and replaced with a bone graft which then fuses over time.  If this is the case, the patient might have some very slight decreased range of motion.

Question 3

is cervical disc replacement still considered experimental or is it accepted practice?

Accepted Answer

Artificial disc: Cervical artificial discs are fda approved and several are on the market. The hope is that artificial discs will reduce the rate of adjacent level disc herniation in comparison to fused levels. Until that distinction or benefit is clear some insurance companies consider artificial disc surgery experimental.

Question 4

what is cervical disc replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Artificial disk: The diseased disk is removed and in its place an artificial disk is put in. Various designs use metal, or metal and plastic to attach to the two vertebral bodies, but still allow for movement between them.

Question 5

cervical disc replacement surgery.  how successful is it?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 88%: Several outcome studies have shown that approximately 88% of patients who undergo cervical disc replacement surgery have good results. This compared favorably to arthrodesis good results of 85%. Additionally, cervical disc replacement  surgery significantly decrease adjacent disc disease.

Question 6

what do i need to do before going in for cervical disc replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Follow: the doctors orders.  i'm sure the surgeon has prepared you for the surgery.

Question 7

what is a cervical disc replacement and fusion with titanium plates and screws?

Accepted Answer

Fusion: Replacement these days often refers to an artificial disk. As you are using the term, the disk is removed and replaced with a spacer (bone, metal, plastic, bone substitute). The plate and screws provide additional stability. The bones connected by the spacer and plate grow together (ideally) to form a single bone.

Question 8

has anybody had a cervical disc replacement and fusion with plates and screws?  would he be permanently stiff?

Accepted Answer

YES: One of the advantages of cervical disc replacement surgery is that it does not preclude an arthrodesis if the replacement fails or does not provide the desired relief of symptoms. When a fusion is is required it will leave you with an absence of motion at the segment(s) fused. If this is 1 or 2 motion segments the lost of motion is not noticable to the person.

Question 9

has anyone had a cervical disc replacement and returned with great neck range of movement?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: A cervical fusion can limit rom permanently, but some neck surgeries may be limited in location, such as one level laminectomies, and post-operatively, the neck can dramatically improve.

Question 10

cervical disc replacement surgery. what are the risks? how big is the chance of becoming paralysed?

Accepted Answer

Neurosurgery: Risks depend on surgical skills. Assuming you see board certified neurosurgeon with a few years of experience and good previous record, then risks are very low.

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Doctor answers about:

Cervical disc replacement

A member asked:

What is a cervical disc replacement with fusion?

A member asked:

Can you provide some advice for someone who's had a cervical disc replacement?

A member asked:

Is cervical disc replacement still considered experimental or is it accepted practice?

A member asked:

What is cervical disc replacement surgery?

A member asked:

Cervical disc replacement surgery. how successful is it?

A member asked:

What do i need to do before going in for cervical disc replacement surgery?

A member asked:

What is a cervical disc replacement and fusion with titanium plates and screws?

A member asked:

Has anybody had a cervical disc replacement and fusion with plates and screws? would he be permanently stiff?

A member asked:

Has anyone had a cervical disc replacement and returned with great neck range of movement?

A member asked:

Cervical disc replacement surgery. what are the risks? how big is the chance of becoming paralysed?

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