Cervical Disc Replacement

Disc replacement surgery evolved as a result of the problems associated with fusion surgery in the cervical spine. This is the same operation as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, but a mobile artificial disc is placed in the space instead of the bone. We believe artificial discs protect the adjacent disc levels from developing adjacent segment degeneration. There are currently different brands of artificial discs on the market – Prodisc C, Servicor, Prestige and PCN. Because of the alteration to spine biomechanics that occurs after a fusion operation, many patients who undergo spine fusion surgery will develop problems at the next level in the spine called “adjacent segment degeneration”; this may require further surgery. Up to 20% of patients may require surgery within 10 years of their initial operation.