Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement in Memphis & the Mid-South
Relieve radiating arm and neck pain without locking your spine. Discover how cervical disc arthroplasty preserves natural movement and protects neighboring vertebrae.
Protect Your Mobility: A Modern Alternative to Neck Fusion
For decades, the standard surgical solution for a herniated or degenerated cervical disc has been Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). While ACDF reliably relieves nerve pressure, it eliminates motion at the surgical site by permanently welding the vertebrae together. Fusing spinal segments transfers increased mechanical stress to the discs directly above and below, accelerating wear—a condition known as adjacent segment disease.
At the OrthoSouth Spine Institute, our fellowship-trained spine surgeons specialize in Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (Cervical ADR). By replacing damaged cartilage with an advanced biomechanical implant, we eliminate nerve compression, relieve chronic radiculopathy, and preserve the natural bending, twisting, and rotating motion of your neck.
How Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Works
Cervical disc replacement is a tissue-sparing, anterior procedure performed through a small, cosmetic horizontal crease in the front of the neck:
- Targeted Decompression: Using high-powered surgical microscopes, the surgeon gently accesses the spine without cutting through posterior neck muscles. The damaged disc, herniated fragments, and arthritic bone spurs pressing against the spinal cord or exiting nerve roots are meticulously removed.
- Anatomical Restoration: The disc space is gently distracted to restore natural disc height and reopen the neural foramina (the exit pathways for spinal nerves).
- Precision Implant Seating: A motion-preserving artificial disc—constructed of medical-grade titanium, cobalt chrome, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene—is calibrated and secured into the empty disc space. The implant immediately restores joint stability while replicating the multi-directional kinematics of a healthy human disc.
Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement Over Traditional Fusion
Move, bend, and look over your shoulder without the stiffness and restriction common after spinal fusion.
By absorbing natural movement and mechanical load, artificial discs prevent adjacent vertebrae from undergoing compensatory wear, significantly lowering the risk of future surgeries.
Because bone does not need to fuse together, there is zero risk of non-union (pseudoarthrosis), eliminating the need for harvest bone or prolonged rigid neck collar immobilization
Spared posterior muscles mean less surgical inflammation. Most patients return to light activities and driving weeks sooner than fusion cohorts.
Same-Day Recovery at OrthoSouth Surgery Centers
Eligible cervical disc replacement patients bypass hospital admission entirely. Performed at our Germantown Surgery Center or Southaven Surgery Center, the procedure allows you to stand, swallow, and walk within hours, heading home the very afternoon of your surgery to recover safely and comfortably in your own bed.
Meet Our Fellowship-Trained Cervical Spine Surgeons
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Disc Replacement
Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement instead of fusion?
Good candidates typically experience neck or arm pain (radiculopathy) or weakness due to a herniated or degenerated disc at one or two levels between C3 and C7, and have not found relief through conservative care. Patients with severe osteoporosis, active infection, or advanced facet joint arthritis may be better suited for traditional decompression or fusion.
Does an artificial cervical disc ever wear out or need revision?
Long-term clinical registry data spanning 10+ years demonstrates high survivorship rates for modern cervical disc implants, with failure rates under 3% to 5%. They are engineered from wear-resistant materials designed to withstand millions of motion cycles.
How long do I have to wear a neck collar after surgery?
Unlike spinal fusion, which often requires weeks in a rigid brace while bone fuses, most cervical disc replacement patients wear a soft neck collar for only a few days for initial comfort and stability.
Can cervical disc replacement be done as outpatient same-day surgery?
Yes. Most screened, motivated patients undergo their cervical disc replacement at an OrthoSouth ambulatory surgery center and return home the same day.
