Cervical Disc Replacement at Leeds Hospital

Your cervical spine is the seven bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other in your neck. Between these bones are discs that cushion your neck and allow it to move freely.

Wear and tear or injury in your neck can result in a narrowing of your spinal cord. Pressure on the nerves in this area can cause pain. Cervical disc replacement is an alternative to traditional spinal decompression that uses surgical implants to replace damaged or diseased cervical discs.

What happens during cervical disc replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure can take several hours. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in the side or front of your neck. They will carefully assess the disc to be replaced and remove it. A surgical implant will be inserted to replace the diseased disc. Your incision will be closed with stitches, and a small dressing will cover your wound. You may need to wear a neck collar.

After cervical disc replacement

Immediately after your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area. Staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If you are experiencing any pain, please tell the recovery room staff. When you are stable, a nurse will take you to your room.

Once you return to your room, our nursing team will continue to monitor your progress to make sure you are recovering well. After you’ve recovered from any effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink. Please let us know if you are experiencing any pain.

Within a few hours, we will help you get out of bed and begin moving around on your own. You may need to spend 1 night in the hospital.

Before you leave the hospital, a physiotherapist will show you how to go about your daily routine without putting any stress on your neck. There may be restrictions on bending or lifting.

Going home after cervical disc replacement

You will not be able to drive until released to do so by your consultant. Please arrange for someone to drive you home after discharge.

Your consultant will advise you on what activities you can do. Follow any restrictions given to you by the physiotherapist. Continue to take any pain medication as prescribed.

Wear your neck collar as instructed. Keep your surgical wound clean and dry.

You may be referred to physiotherapy to help you slowly increase your activity level. Discuss any return to work with your consultant.

What are the risks of cervical disc replacement?

Most people make a good recovery from cervical disc replacement.  As with any procedure, there can be complications:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis – DVT)
• Reaction to anaesthetic

Specific complications of cervical disc replacement may include:

• Nerve damage
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• Continued symptoms
• Spinal injury (rare).