BENEFITS
1) Increase Motion: In contrast to fusion surgery, which limits movement, cervical disc replacement (CDR) maintains neck motion, thus reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. This phenomenon refers to the accelerated breakdown of vertebral segments neighboring a prior spinal fusion or surgical procedure.
2) Decrease Pain: Many patients experience significant relief from neck pain and related symptoms following cervical disc replacement (CDR) surgery, allowing them to resume daily activities with greater comfort and functionality.
3) Decrease Recovery Time: Compared to fusion surgery, which may require a longer recovery period due to the need for bone healing, cervical disc replacement (CDR) often entails a shorter recovery time, enabling patients to return to normal activities sooner.
RISKS
1) Implant Wear and Tear: While artificial disc implants are designed to withstand wear and tear, they may not last a lifetime and could potentially require revision surgery in the future.
2) Adjacent Segment Degeneration: Although cervical disc replacement (CDR) aims to mitigate the risk of adjacent segment degeneration compared to fusion, it can still occur over time.
3) Surgical Complications: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks such as infection, nerve injury, or implant subsidence/dislodgement. However, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, these risks are relatively small.