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World Class Spine Care In Austin, TX

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.

Benefits of Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

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Pain Relief:

One of the primary benefits of artificial disc replacement surgery at our Austin spine clinic is pain relief. By replacing the damaged disc with an artificial disc, the pressure on the surrounding nerves is reduced, alleviating pain and improving mobility.

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Preserves Motion:

Unlike spinal fusion surgery, which fuses two vertebrae together limiting motion, artificial disc replacement surgery allows for natural movement and flexibility. This can result in a quicker recovery time from spine surgery and a faster return to normal activities.

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Reduced Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease:

Adjacent segment disease is a condition where the discs above or below a fused segment of the spine become stressed and deteriorate over time. Artificial disc replacement surgery reduces the risk of this condition, as it preserves the motion and reduces stress on adjacent discs.

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Shorter Hospital Stay:

Compared to traditional spinal fusion surgery, artificial disc replacement surgery typically requires a shorter hospital stay. Patients can expect to be discharged within a day or two after the procedure.

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Faster Recovery:

Artificial disc replacement surgery in Austin has been shown to have faster recovery times compared to spinal fusion surgery. Patients typically experience less pain, quicker return to daily activities, and a quicker return to work.

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Signs You May Need Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

  • Chronic Back or Neck Pain: If your back or neck pain has persisted despite conservative spine treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections, it may be an indication that you need spine surgery at Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin.
  • Nerve Compression Symptoms: Symptoms such as radiating pain down the arm or leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities may indicate nerve compression. Artificial disc replacement surgery can help alleviate these symptoms by decompressing the affected nerves.
  • Failed Conservative Spine Treatments: If you have tried conservative spine treatments for an extended period without experiencing sufficient relief, it may be time to consider artificial disc replacement surgery as an option.

Benefits of Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

​​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.

After Effects of Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery:

  • Improved Quality of Life: One of the significant after-effects of artificial disc replacement surgery is an improved quality of life. Patients often experience a reduction in pain, increased mobility, and a return to their regular daily activities without limitations.
  • Increased Spinal Stability: Artificial disc replacement surgery helps restore stability to the spine by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one. This stability can help prevent further degeneration and reduce the risk of future spine-related issues.
  • Reduced Medication Dependency: Prior to spine surgery, many patients rely on pain medications to manage their chronic back or neck pain. After artificial disc replacement surgery, patients often experience a significant reduction in pain, which can lead to a decreased need for pain medication.
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Why Choose Central Texas Spine Institute

  • Expertise and Experience: Central Texas Spine Institute is led by Dr. Randall F. Dryer, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with years of experience in performing artificial disc replacement surgery. Dr. Dryer is known for his expertise in complex spinal surgeries and is dedicated to providing personalized care to his patients.
  • Advanced Technology and Techniques: Central Texas Spine Institute utilizes state-of-the-art technology and the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. The use of advanced imaging and minimally invasive approaches allows for precise and efficient spine surgeries with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
  • Comprehensive Care: Central Texas Spine Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Our spine clinic offers a range of services including diagnostic testing, surgical interventions, spine rehabilitation, and pain management to provide comprehensive care throughout the entire treatment process.
  • Patient-Centered Approach: The team at Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin is committed to providing personalized care and tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. We take the time to educate patients about their condition and discuss available treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

CALL TODAY

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!