Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement is a minimally invasive procedure in which a damaged disc in the neck is replaced with an artificial one. It relieves pressure on the nerves that causes neck, shoulder, and arm pain, and it preserves motion at the treated level. Our approach uses an incision of less than one inch and is often outpatient.

Man at a desk holding his neck in pain
Illustration of a cervical disc replacement implant in the neck

What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?

The cervical spine has seven vertebrae cushioned by discs. When a disc is diseased or herniated, it can press on the nerves or spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the neck, arm, and fingers. Left untreated, this ongoing pain can restrict activity and quality of life.
 
In cervical disc replacement, the surgeon reaches the spine through a small incision at the front of the neck, removes the damaged disc and any bone spurs, and inserts an artificial disc. Unlike ACDF, which fuses the vertebrae, the artificial disc restores support while keeping the level mobile.

Conditions Disc Replacement Treats

This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.

Herniated discsA cervical herniation pressing on a nerve root. Degenerative disc diseaseA worn cervical disc causing pain or nerve compression. RadiculopathyArm pain, numbness, or weakness from a pinched nerve root. Pinched nervesNerve compression in the neck. Foraminal stenosisNarrowing where a cervical nerve exits. Neck painPersistent neck pain from a damaged disc.
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Am I A Candidate?

Cervical disc replacement suits many patients with arm or neck symptoms from a damaged disc at one or two levels, after conservative care has not helped. It is less suitable when there is significant facet joint arthritis, instability, or osteoporosis, in which case fusion may be preferred.
 
Our team can determine your candidacy for cervical disc replacement or another minimally invasive procedure by reviewing your most recent MRI and medical history.
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Illustration of a damaged spinal disc highlighted in red between vertebrae

How Cervical Disc Replacement Works

The procedure follows these steps:

  1. 1

    Anesthesia

    You are made comfortable under anesthesia.

  2. 2

    A small incision

    An incision of less than one inch is made at the front of the neck, usually along a skin crease.

  3. 3

    Removing the disc

    Muscles are gently moved aside, and the damaged disc and any bone spurs pressing on the nerves are removed.

  4. 4

    Placing the artificial disc

    An artificial disc sized to your spine is inserted into the disc space under X-ray guidance.

  5. 5

    Closing and recovery

    The incision is closed; many patients go home the same day.

Disc Replacement Or Fusion?

Both procedures remove a damaged disc and relieve pressure on the nerve. They differ in what replaces it.

Cervical disc replacement

Motion preserving

An artificial disc keeps the level moving

  • Maintains natural neck motion at the treated level.
  • May reduce stress on neighboring discs.
  • Best for selected patients without significant arthritis.

ACDF

Fusion

The two vertebrae heal into one segment

  • Long-established and reliable.
  • Suited to multiple levels, arthritis, or instability.
  • Learn more about ACDF.

Your surgeon will review which option fits your anatomy and the number of levels involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cervical disc replacement?

Cervical disc replacement removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc that relieves pressure on the nerves while preserving motion at that level.

How is disc replacement different from fusion (ACDF)?

Both remove the damaged disc through the front of the neck. ACDF fuses the two vertebrae together, while disc replacement uses an artificial disc that keeps the level moving, which may reduce stress on neighboring discs.

Who is a good candidate?

Candidates typically have arm pain, numbness, or weakness from a damaged disc at one or two levels, without significant arthritis of the facet joints, instability, or osteoporosis. An MRI and examination determine candidacy.

Is cervical disc replacement an outpatient procedure?

Yes, in many cases. Our minimally invasive approach uses an incision of less than one inch and is often performed on an outpatient basis.

How long is recovery?

Many patients return to light activity and desk work within a couple of weeks, without the lengthy recovery associated with open neck surgery. Your surgeon will guide your return to heavier activity.

Will I have neck motion after the procedure?

Preserving motion is a key goal of disc replacement. The artificial disc is designed to move like a natural disc at the treated level.

What symptoms does cervical disc replacement relieve?

It relieves symptoms caused by a diseased cervical disc, including neck pain and stiffness, headaches, radiating shoulder and arm pain, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers.

How do I find out if I am a candidate?

Our Patient Advocates can arrange a review of your most recent MRI and medical history. Request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms Disc Replacement Can Relieve

Symptoms caused by a diseased cervical disc vary with the individual and the condition. The most common include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness.
  • Headaches.
  • Radiating pain in the shoulder and arm.
  • Muscle weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
  • Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers.
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Man in bed holding his neck in pain

Related Treatments

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy procedure is a minimally invasive decompression surgery that relieves the pain associated with foraminal stenosis.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

TLIF – Spinal Fusion

Patients who suffer from a spine condition in the lumbar (lower back region) often experience chronic pain and limited mobility.

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

One of our most common procedures is classified as minimally invasive decompression surgery. This type of surgery is often performed on patients who have a nerve compressed along their spinal cord, resulting in both local and radiating pain.

Laser Spine Surgery

aser spine surgery has been marketed as a cutting-edge solution for various spine conditions, offering the promise of pain relief with minimal recovery time.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Open Neck Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

Our minimally invasive disc replacement uses an incision of less than one inch, is often outpatient, and avoids the lengthy recovery of open neck surgery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Motion-preserving neck surgery

    Disc replacement keeps the treated level moving, as an alternative to fusion for the right patients.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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