Cervical disc replacement surgery

What is cervical disc replacement surgery?

Cervical disc replacement surgery, also known as artificial disc replacement (ADR) or cervical arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged disc in the neck is removed and replaced with an artificial disc designed to function like a healthy one. Unlike traditional fusion surgery, disc replacement aims to maintain movement in the neck while relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

What types of artificial discs are used?

Surgeons use a range of modern prosthetic discs, chosen based on your anatomy, symptoms and the condition of your spine. These may include:

• Metal-on-metal discs
• Metal on polymer discs
• Mobile core discs (designed to mimic natural movement)
• Fixed core discs (designed for stability).

Your consultant will recommend the most suitable option for your specific case.

Understanding the cervical spine

Your cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae in your neck. Between each bone sits a disc that:

• Cushions the spine
• Absorbs shock
• Allows smooth movement.

Wear and tear, injury or degeneration can cause a disc to collapse or bulge, narrowing the space around the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to neck pain, arm pain, numbness or weakness.

If you feel like you may be suffering from any of this, then you might want to consider cervical disc replacement, where our expert surgeons provide an alternative to traditional spinal decompression and fusion, offering pain relief while preserving movement in your neck.

What conditions does cervical disc replacement treat?

Cervical disc replacement may be recommended for:

• Cervical disc disease
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated cervical discs
• Cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating into the arm)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

It’s typically used when symptoms do not improve with physiotherapy, medication or injections.

What is cervical disc disease and what causes it?

Cervical disc disease occurs when one or more discs in the neck become worn, damaged or dehydrated. This can happen due to:

• Age-related degeneration
• Repetitive strain
• Previous injury
• Genetics
• Poor posture
• Smoking (which reduces disc nutrition).

As discs deteriorate, they may bulge or collapse, putting pressure on nearby nerves.

What are the symptoms of cervical disc disease?

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain
• Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced range of movement
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull.

How is cervical disc disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve:

A physical examination
Your consultant will begin by assessing:

• Neck movement: To see which positions trigger pain
• Muscle strength: Especially in the shoulders, arms and hands
• Reflexes: To check for nerve irritation or compression
• Sensation: To identify any numbness or tingling
• Posture and alignment: To look for stiffness or protective movement patterns.

This helps narrow down which disc or nerve root may be affected.

X-rays
X-rays show the bones of your cervical spine. They can reveal:

• Loss of disc height (a sign of degeneration)
• Bone spurs (osteophytes)
• Alignment issues
• Signs of arthritis
• Instability when comparing flexion/extension views.

Although X-rays don’t show discs or nerves directly, they provide important clues about structural changes.

MRI scan (most common and most informative)
This is the most common and most informative option. An MRI provides a detailed picture of the soft tissues in your neck, including:

• Discs
• Nerves
• Spinal cord
• Ligaments
• Inflammation.

It can show:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Nerve compression
• Spinal stenosis
• Disc dehydration or collapse
• Inflammation around the nerve roots.

MRI is usually the key test for confirming whether disc replacement surgery is appropriate.

CT scan (used in selected cases)
A CT scan, usually used in selected cases, provides a highly detailed image of the bones in your neck. It may be used when:

• MRI is not suitable (e.g., certain implants)
• More detail is needed about bone spurs or joint degeneration
• Planning complex surgery
• Assessing previous spinal surgery.

CT can also be combined with a myelogram (contrast dye injected around the spinal cord) to show nerve compression more clearly.

Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
These tests can take about 30-60 minutes and are used to identify nerve damage or pinched nerves. It’s carried out by placing small, sticky electrode pads to your skin to measure how fast and how strong electrical signals travel through the network of nerves from your brain and spinal cord to your central nervous system.

They’re used in selected cases when:

• Symptoms don’t match imaging
• Nerve damage needs to be assessed more precisely
• There’s uncertainty about which nerve root is affected.

When should you consider cervical disc replacement surgery?

You may be advised to consider surgery if:

• You have persistent neck or arm pain
• Your symptoms have not improved after 6–12 weeks of non-surgical treatment
• You have nerve compression causing weakness or numbness
• Imaging shows a damaged or herniated disc
• Your symptoms are affecting daily life or sleep.

Who is suitable for cervical disc replacement?

You may be suitable if:

• You have a single damaged disc (or sometimes two levels)
• Your symptoms are caused by nerve compression
• You are in good general health
• You wish to preserve movement in your neck
• You have no significant arthritis in the facet joints.

Who is not suitable for cervical disc replacement?

Disc replacement may not be recommended if:

• You have severe arthritis in the neck
• You have osteoporosis or weak bones
• You have instability in the spine
• You have more than two damaged discs
• You have an active infection
• You are pregnant
• You have had previous major neck surgery.

Your consultant will discuss the safest and most effective option for you.

What are the alternatives to cervical disc replacement surgery?

Alternatives may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Pain-relieving medication
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Epidural or nerve root injections
• Activity modification
• Posture correction
• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Your consultant will discuss these options with you and help you to decide the best option most suited for you.

Cervical disc replacement vs ACDF surgery: which is right for me?

Both procedures treat similar conditions but work differently:

Cervical disc replacement

• Preserves movement
• Reduces stress on nearby discs
• May lead to quicker recovery
• Suitable for selected patients with healthy facet joints.

ACDF surgery

• Removes the disc and fuses the bones
• Reduces movement at that level
• Suitable for more complex or arthritic cases.

Your consultant will recommend the best option based on your symptoms, imaging and overall spine health.

How can I prepare for cervical disc replacement surgery?

You’ll attend a pre-operative assessment where the team will:

• Review your medical history
• Check your medications
• Perform blood tests and imaging
• Discuss anaesthetic options
• Explain the procedure and recovery
• Answer any questions you may have.

You may be advised to:

• Stop smoking
• Maintain good nutrition
• Stay active
• Adjust certain medications.

What should I expect during cervical disc replacement surgery?

Cervical disc replacement is usually performed under general anaesthesia and can take 1–3 hours, depending on the complexity.

During the procedure:

• Your surgeon makes a small incision in the front or side of your neck
• The damaged disc is carefully removed
• Pressure is relieved from the spinal cord and nerves
• An artificial disc is inserted into the disc space
• The incision is closed with stitches
• A small dressing is applied
• You may need to wear a neck collar.

How long does it take to recover after cervical disc replacement surgery?

Immediately after surgery
You’ll be taken to the recovery area where staff will monitor your:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Breathing
• Pain levels

Once stable, you’ll return to your room.

In hospital

• You can usually eat and drink once you’re fully awake
• You’ll be helped out of bed within a few hours
• Most people stay one night in hospital.

A physiotherapist will show you how to move safely without straining your neck.

Going home

• You must arrange for someone to drive you home
• You may need to wear a neck collar as advised.

Returning to daily activities

• Driving: It’s safe to drive only once your consultant gives you the go-ahead
• Work: You can return to work usually within 2–6 weeks, depending on the nature of your job. Again, discuss suitable timeframes with your consultant.
• Exercise: You can complete gentle exercises after a few weeks. Heavy lifting must be avoided.
• Flying: Check with your consultant before you book any holidays.

Avoid:

• Heavy lifting
• Sudden neck movements
• High-impact exercise
• Smoking (slows down the healing process)

Physiotherapy will be recommended to help restore strength and mobility.

What are the benefits of cervical disc replacement surgery?

• Relieves neck and arm pain
• Reduces nerve compression
• Preserves natural movement
• Helps prevent stress on nearby discs
• Supports long-term spinal health.

How soon will I feel the benefits?

Many people notice improvement within days to weeks, with continued progress over several months.

How long do the effects last?

Artificial discs are designed to be long-lasting, with many patients experiencing durable relief.

What are the risks and complications of cervical disc replacement surgery?

Most people make a good recovery, but complications can include:

General surgical risks

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots (DVT)
• Reaction to anaesthetic.

Specific risks

• Nerve damage
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• Continued symptoms
• Implant wear or failure (rare)
• Spinal cord injury (very rare).

Your consultant will discuss these risks with you.

How much does cervical disc replacement surgery cost at Nuffield Health?

For pricing information, please contact your local hospital. The hospital or your healthcare team will give you a fixed all-inclusive price for the treatment following your initial consultation.