Cervical microdiscectomy with the implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc
Cervical microdiscectomy with the implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc is a surgical procedure used to treat pain and other symptoms caused by degenerative changes, disc herniation and stenosis of the spinal canal of the cervical spine.
With this surgical procedure, the entire diseased disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc that will eliminate pain, stabilise the spine but preserve neck mobility and achieve optimal balance and protect adjacent segments from additional loads.
The operation is performed with a minimally invasive anterior approach, which allows safe removal of the intervertebral disc, decompression of the spinal cord and associated nerve roots from pressure, and implanting artificial disc.
The advantages of this procedure are a small skin incision, preservation of muscle structures, extremely little bleeding, a short stay in the hospital, a very low risk of infection, a shorter duration of physical therapy, and a faster recovery.
Recovery from this type of procedure is very short and patients are usually discharged from the hospital the next day. Return to work is possible already after 2-3 weeks, depending on postoperative recovery.
Who are the candidates?
Candidates for cervical spine artificial disc surgery are people who have pain in the cervical spine, back of the head, shoulders, and arms, and around the shoulder blades that does not decrease after physical therapy or is not successfully controlled with a reasonable amount of analgesics.
Cervical microdiscectomy with the implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc is usually very successful in the immediate relief of pain and other symptoms caused by degenerative changes and disc herniation in the cervical spine, but it is important to talk to a specialist about possible risks and benefits because each patient is individual.
For the above symptoms, the first step in treatment is conservative therapy, such as physical therapy, pain and inflammation medications, neck and spine strengthening exercises, and other methods that can help reduce pain and symptoms. If conservative treatment fails and symptoms worsen, cervical microdiscectomy and implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc can be considered with prior diagnosis on the advice of a specialist.
