Cervical total disc replacement aims to relieve the neck pain and the radicular pain in the upper part of the body, while maintaining the motion of the spine.

With this technique, the degenerated intervertebral disc is replaced with an artificial component.

The artificial disc is a sterile device made of two base plates connected with a pivot. This structure allows a wide range of movements. The total motion of the disc in extension and flexion is 30°.

There are different sizes to ensure that the disc matches as closely as possible the patient’s natural disc. Generally the disc’s material is made of metal to avoid wear and creep found with other implant materials.

Surgery: the steps

1. You will be given general anesthesia
2. The surgery is performed through the anterior part of the neck.
3. Your surgeon will dissect a window in the annulus (outer part of the disc)
4. The degenerated disc is carefully removed, enabling the insertion of the new disc.
5. After a carefully confirmation of the size and height of the degenerated disc, the new artificial disc is inserted.
6. The surgeon will then verify that the position of the new disc is correct using X-Ray.