Is Cervical Disc Replacement (CDR) Right for You?

Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is a great alternative to traditional fusion procedures for individuals suffering from neck pain and related symptoms due to cervical disc degeneration. This innovative procedure aims to preserve motion and flexibility in the neck while alleviating pain and restoring function.

Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, helps his patients understand the cause of their neck pain and explores all available treatment options, which are tailored to their specific needs and goals. Contact his office, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to see if you are a candidate for a cervical disc replacement (CDR).

BACKGROUND
Cervical disc replacement (CDR) involves removing a damaged or degenerated cervical disc and replacing it with an artificial disc implant. Unlike fusion surgery, which permanently fuses two adjacent vertebrae together, cervical disc replacement (CDR) aims to maintain natural motion and flexibility in the cervical spine.

IDEAL CANDIDATES
1) Neck Pain: Resulting from herniated disc/degenerative disc disease, that does not respond to conservative measures such as activity modifications, medications, physical therapy, or epidural steroid injections.
2) Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression that causes pain/numbness/tingling/weakness that radiates into the arm/hand.
3) Myelopathy: Spinal cord compression that causes pain/numbness/tingling/weakness in the arms/legs, difficulty with fine motor tasks, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and difficulty with balance/coordination/walking.
4) Absence of Cervical Instability/Deformity: Presence of cervical instability/deformity may necessitate a fusion surgery instead.
5) Healthy: Patients should be in good overall health and free from conditions that could complicate surgery, such as obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, osteopenia/osteoporosis, or smoking.

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.

Cervical disc replacement (CDR) represents a significant advancement in the field of spinal surgery, offering patients an alternative to traditional fusion procedures. By preserving motion in the spine and reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration, cervical disc replacement (CDR) provides long-lasting relief, improving patient outcomes and restoring quality of life.

For compassionate and expert care, book an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, spine surgeon in Torrance and Long Beach, California, to see if a cervical disc replacement (CDR) is the right choice for you.