Common Procedure for Neck or Back Pain: Artificial Disc Replacement | Ambulatory Surgery Center of Boca Raton

At the Advanced Surgery Center of Boca Raton, we specialize in minimally invasive treatment. One of the various procedures we offer is cervical artificial disc replacement. This procedure is currently one of the most advanced and successful treatments for neck pain caused by:

• a herniated disc

• bone spurs

• failed neck surgery — such as a neck (cervical) fusion.

As a result of this procedure, patients should be able to experience a better range of motion in their necks to improve immobility and strength. 

Cervical Artificial Disc replacements are common for patients who may experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the vertebrae.

If you suffer from :

• degenerative disc disease

• spinal stenosis

• disc herniations

• failed fusions

• radiculopathy

you may want to speak to your physician about a disc replacement. An artificial disc cannot completely replace a natural disc's ability to cushion and transfer loads in the neck; it may be able to maintain more of the cervical spine's natural range of motion in comparison to fusion surgery. 

Artificial discs come in many different shapes and sizes so it is important that the right one is being used in a disc replacement. When your physician is looking for the ultimate artificial disc when performing a disc replacement they are focusing on finding the right size disc that will cover endplates and using the shortest height disc possible to relieve nerve compression. 

Disc replacements were a groundbreaking moment in healthcare as they are less invasive and don't require as much time to perform. This allows for less stress and recovery time for the patient. According to the Virginia Spine Institute, cervical artificial disc replacements have a 95% success rate. Just like any surgery, it is important to be aware of the side effects and/or complications:

• More than one surgery

• Allergic reaction to the implant materials

• Possibly requiring a blood transfusion if there is excessive bleeding

• Blood vessel problems other than bleeding

• Development or progression of disease at other cervical levels

• Implants that bend, break, loosen or move

• Incision problems

• Infection

• Loss of motion at the treated cervical level

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities

• Pain or discomfort

• Paralysis

• Side effects from anesthesia

• Spinal cord or nerve damage

• Spinal fluid leakage

• Tears of the dura (a layer of tissue covering the spinal cord)

If you are a patient considering an artificial disc replacement it is important to be in good health with no signs of infection or osteoporosis to ensure a safe procedure and good results.

At ASC Boca Raton, we have over 5 physicians that are skilled in orthopedic and minimally invasive surgery. We are committed to providing you with excellent healthcare through advanced research and utilizing the latest technology.

Do you still have questions about the disc replacement procedure and if it is right for you or your loved one? Call our center at (561) 544-5501 or email us at FrontDeskBoca@surgeryctr.com to inquire more information about disc replacements, our facility, and other procedures we offer at ASC Boca Raton.