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Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is generally newer technique being used for the cervical spine.

The manufactured disc is embedded in the space between two vertebrae after removing the injured disc and small amount of bone(laminotomy). The objective is to replace the injured disc while keeping your typical neck movement and motion.

An artificial disc replacement usually happens at cervical spine levels C4-5, C5-6, or C6. There are seven vertebrae make up the cervical spine. Every vertebra is made of the same parts. The fundamental segment of each cervical vertebrae, from C2 to C7, is shaped by a round piece of bone, called the vertebral body. A hard ring joins to the back of the vertebral body. This ring has two sections. Two pedicles interface straightforwardly to the back of the vertebral body. Two lamina bones join the pedicles to finish the ring. The lamina bones frame the external edge of the hard ring. At the point when the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, the hard rings shape an empty tube that encompasses the spinal string. The laminae give a defensive divider around the spinal rope.

On the left and right half of every vertebra is a little passage called a neural foramen. (Foramina is the plural term.) The two nerves that leave the spine at every vertebra experience the foramina, one on the left and one on the privilege. The intervertebral disc sits straightforwardly before the opening. A herniated disc can limit the opening and put weight on the nerve. A feature joint sits behind the foramen. Bone spurs that form can impinge the joint can extend into the passage, narrowing the opening and also compress the nerve.

Artifical disc replacement surgery is done to stop the side effects of degenerative disc disease and spinal disc compression. Disc can wear out or degenerate over time or due to an injury.

The customary method for treating extreme neck pain brought about by disc degeneration is a system called a cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF). In this system, a plate, cage and screw are used to replace the injured disc and fuse the area of the spine for stability and pain reduction.

Fusion limits range of motion, and can cause strain at the adjacent level above and below the fusion site. The additional strain may in the long run, cause these sections to destroy. This is called adjacent segment degeneration.

Who Can Benefit From This Procedure?

The signs for a cervical disc replacement are for the most part the same with a respect to a cervical discectomy and fusion.

  1. Neck and arm pain also called cervical radiculopathy.
  2. Cervical disc herniations and/or degenerative disc disease.

Surgical Procedure

What happens amid the operation?

The cervical manufactured disc has a few unique outlines. Some resemble a sandwich with two endplates isolated by a plastic spacer. The two endplates are made of cobalt chromium compound, a sheltered material that has been utilized for a long time as a part of swap joints for the hip and knee.

A plastic (polyethylene) center fits in the middle of the two metal endplates. The center goes about as a spacer and is molded so that the endplates turn in a way that emulates ordinary movement of the two vertebrae. There are little prongs on one side of every endplate. The prongs grapple the endplate to the surface of the vertebral body.

Another simulated plate replacement configuration is a ball and attachment enunciation to take into account typical interpretation of movement at that fragment. The insert might be made of titanium and polyurethane in a metal-on-plastic outline. Some are made of stainless steel and are all metal-on-metal.

Embedded between two vertebrae, the prosthesis restores the tallness between two vertebrae. As a consequence of broadening the disc space, the close-by spinal ligaments are pulled tight, which holds the prosthesis set up. The prosthesis is further held set up by the typical weight through the spine.

Working from the front of the spine, the spine specialist expels a vast area from the center of the injured disc. Next, the bones of the spine are spread separated to make more space to see and work inside the disk space. Utilizing a surgical magnifying instrument, any residual disc material toward the back of the plate is expelled. The specialist will likewise evacuate any disc pieces squeezing against the nerve and shave off any osteophytes (bone growths).

Working from the front of the spine, the spine specialist expels a vast area from the center of the injured disc. Next, the bones of the spine are spread separated to make more space to see and work inside the disk space. Utilizing a surgical magnifying instrument, any residual disc material toward the back of the plate is expelled. The specialist will likewise evacuate any disc pieces squeezing against the nerve and shave off any osteophytes (bone growths).

The disc space is distracted (lifted) to its typical disc tallness. This progression decompresses or take weight off the nerves. Now, fluoroscopy is utilized to embed the artificial disc into prepared space.

The prosthesis is then tried by moving the spine in different positions and images are taken to ensure the proper placement.

Pain Screening Quiz

Pain presents itself in many different ways, at different times and in many cases is triggered by specific activities. Minimally Invasive Spine AZ will be happy to answer your questions in conjunction with a personal phone call follow up with one of our doctors. Please answer the questions as accurately as possible.

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What To Expect After Surgery

Home exercise based rehabilitation can start one to two weeks after surgery. Arrangement on going for treatment for physical therapy may be recommended few times every week for four to six weeks. Activities of daily living are adjusted adequately and lifting is restricted during the healing phase. Unlike an ACDF surgery, patients with an artificial disc replacement typical do not wear a neck brace after surgery and have less post operative pain, but must take extra caution to allow for optimal healing.

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Pain presents itself in many different ways, at different times and in many cases is triggered by specific activities. We will be happy to answer your questions in conjunction with a personal phone call follow up with one of our doctors.

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