Cervical Total Disc Replacement: If you suffer from debilitating neck pain and find that anti-inflammatory drugs aren’t enough to treat your condition, you may want to consider a cervical total disc replacement. This type of surgery can help to reduce the degeneration of your intervertebral discs and give you more mobility in your neck and back. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cervical total disc replacement and why it could be the best solution for you if you suffer from cervical spine degeneration.
About Cervical Total Disc Replacement.
You’re not alone if you’re considering cervical total disc replacement (TDR). This procedure is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to spinal fusion for treating neck pain. And it’s no wonder why: TDR can provide significant relief from pain and other symptoms while preserving the spine’s motion.
The Benefits.
If you’re considering cervical total disc replacement or CTDR, you may wonder what the procedure entails and whether it’s right for you. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- The surgery takes an average of three hours, though this will vary depending on your medical history and the complexity of your condition.
- Your surgeon will replace one or more discs that have degenerated with an artificial device called an artificial disc.
- The surgery can help reduce pain by alleviating pressure on nerve roots that run between your spine’s vertebrae and exiting through small openings on each side of your neck; if those nerves become pinched, they can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms in your arms or legs.
- Another benefit is improved range of motion. For example, this can include turning your head from side to side without restriction, lifting heavy objects without bending over, and lifting yourself off the ground without relying on handrails.
- Possible risks include infection and internal bleeding; however, complications such as these are rare with modern techniques.
- Some people also experience improvement in their bladder control and sexual function after surgery.
How does Cervical Total Disc Replacement Work?
During TDR, your surgeon will remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial disc. These artificial discs are metal and plastic, and they mimic the functionality of a healthy disc. Unlike fusion surgery which requires cutting out part of the vertebrae to stabilize it, this minimally invasive procedure only requires removing part of the vertebrae to create room for the new disc. The implant has notches on the outside so that bone can grow into them and hold it in place securely.
As a result, patients can move more freely without fear of damaging their discs or suffering nerve damage due to compression from bone spurs rubbing against nerves.
Risks and Limitations of the Procedure.
While cervical total disc replacement is a safe and effective procedure, there are some risks and limitations. These include the potential for implant failure, infection, nerve damage, and blood vessel injury. In addition, the procedure is not appropriate for everyone, and your doctor will need to evaluate your case to determine if you are a good candidate.
Conclusion.
If you’re considering disc replacement, you probably have many questions. What is it? How does it work? Is it right for me? This blog post would have answered all those questions and more, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Author ——- Steffy Alen