Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

If you’re experiencing pain in your neck, you may be suffering from a pinched nerve resulting from a degenerated disc in your cervical spine. Without a healthy disc to provide proper spacing between the vertebrae, extra pressure can be exerted on the nerve roots that pass between them. The traditional method of spinal fusion corrects the problem by essentially screwing the upper and lower vertebrae to each other. However, spinal fusion results in limited movement of the neck. Today there is a procedure known as artificial cervical disc replacement that corrects the problem without sacrificing your range of motion.

In disc replacement surgery, a small incision is made in the front of the neck. The orthopedic surgeon removes the degenerated disc and prepares the two vertebrae for the new disc. This involves shaping the bone to accept the exact shape of the new, artificial disc. Two designs, PCM® and Prestige® are available. Both are designed to allow for normal range of motion, but Prestige® employs screws to connect it to the upper and lower vertebrae while the PCM® disc design does not. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you decide which option is best for you and your needs.

If you think that artificial disc replacement surgery may be the answer to your cervical spine problems, contact the Central Texas Spine Institute of Austin, TX today. Dr. Randall F. Dryer is an expert in all forms of back and neck surgery. He can help you to understand the causes of your particular ailments and prescribe a course of action to put you on the road to recovery. Don’t live with neck pain any longer than you already have been; contact CTSI today!