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Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

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Side-view X-ray of a human cervical spine showing the vertebrae and disc spaces where an artificial disc replacement procedure is performed. Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: A Procedure for Neck Pain Relief

What is cervical artificial disc replacement? Cervical artificial disc replacement is an advanced surgical procedure designed to relieve chronic neck pain by replacing a damaged or diseased spinal disc with a motion-preserving stainless steel device. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, this technology utilizes a specialized ball-and-trough component to maintain the natural flexibility and alignment of the cervical spine. Ideal for patients suffering from severe spinal stenosis, facet arthritis, or cervical kyphosis, this procedure typically requires a short 24- to 48-hour hospital stay and focuses on restoring full mobility with minimal post-operative movement limitations. At the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, Dr. Cory Calendine and his team provide personalized spine care, utilizing the latest minimally invasive techniques to help patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Cervical artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased disc in the neck with a stainless steel device that maintains motion. The device has two components: a ball on top and a trough on the bottom, and it is inserted into the disc space and attached to the vertebral bodies on both sides. This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have severe stenosis with spinal cord injury, severe facet arthritis, cervical kyphosis, or primary bone pathology such as infection.

Disc Replacement Procedure Overview

The cervical artificial disc replacement procedure involves making an incision in the neck, removing the damaged disc, shaping the disc space, and implanting the device. The implant is designed to preserve motion in the spine and keep the cervical spine properly aligned. After the surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours and have minimal movement limitations. Risks of the surgery include early or late loosening of the components, anatomical or technical difficulties, and component sizing issues.

Artificial Disc Surgery: Pre-Op and Post-Op

It is important to consult with a physician to determine if this procedure is right for you. The physician will consider the symptoms, diagnosis, and anatomy of the neck to determine if this procedure is needed. After the procedure, patients usually recover well and have minimal movement limitations. However, it is important to be aware of the possible risks, such as early or late loosening of the components, anatomical or technical difficulties, and component sizing issues.

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For The Latest Spinal Disc Replacement Information

The Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee’s spine specialists offer personalized surgical and non-surgical treatment for neck and back problems. Whether you’re suffering from trauma, injury, arthritis or other orthopaedic condition, our experts will help relieve pain and restore mobility. We offer the most up-to-date surgical care for spinal conditions, including total disc replacement and minimally invasive spinal surgery. It’s important to note that not all spinal problems require surgery, and we recognize that every patient is different. That’s why our specialists seek out the least invasive and most effective treatment option for each patient. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are also essential elements of spinal care, and we have an experienced team of medical professionals armed with the latest recommendations and tools to help promote healing. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 615-791-2630.

Bone And Joint Institute Of Tennessee Spine Specialists

Professional headshots of the spine specialist team at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, including Casey Davidson, M.D., Zachary Kalb, D.O., John Klekamp, M.D., and Michael McNamara, M.D.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions From Readers

How does an artificial cervical disc maintain neck motion?
The artificial disc is a stainless steel device composed of two main parts: a ball on the top and a trough on the bottom. This design allows the vertebrae to glide and rotate naturally, mimicking the function of a healthy disc and maintaining the spine’s proper alignment and motion—an advantage over spinal fusion which locks the vertebrae together.
This procedure is typically recommended for patients with specific orthopedic conditions, including severe stenosis with spinal cord injury, severe facet arthritis, cervical kyphosis, or primary bone pathology such as infection. A thorough evaluation of your symptoms, anatomy, and diagnosis is required to determine if disc replacement is the right choice for your neck pain relief.
Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for approximately 24 to 48 hours following the surgery. Because the procedure is designed to preserve motion rather than restrict it, many patients experience a successful recovery with minimal movement limitations shortly after the operation.
As with any surgical intervention, there are risks involved. For cervical disc replacement, potential complications include early or late loosening of the device components, technical difficulties during the anatomical shaping of the disc space, or issues regarding the sizing of the implanted components.
No, not all spinal problems require surgical intervention. Dr. Calendine and the specialists at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee prioritize the least invasive and most effective treatment options for every patient, which often include physical therapy, rehabilitation, and non-surgical pain management strategies.
Dr. Cory Calendine, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in Franklin, TN, shown in a gray suit with glasses and a blue tie during a professional portrait session.

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About Cory Calendine, MD

Dr. Cory Calendine is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in Franklin, TN. He performs more than 700 hip and knee replacement procedures annually and serves as a consultant to Stryker for the Mako® robotic platform.

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