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Neck Disk Replacement Options

The vertebrae, or bones, in the neck require a cushion to prevent them from rubbing together. Intervertebral disks that separate these vertebrae perform that function, acting like shock absorbers. Over time, disks wear out and cause pain due to a pinched nerve. When nonsurgical options fail, removal of the disk is the last option. Options to replace the disk include cervical (neck) fusion or artificial cervical disk replacement.

  1. Options

    • Nonsurgical options for damaged disks include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and cold and hot therapies. For most people these options will provide sufficient relief; if not then surgery is the next step. Cervical fusion is the standard surgical procedure to replace damaged disks and, until recently, the only option. In July 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first artificial replacement disk for cervical disks. Prior to that time, artificial disks had been approved for spinal (back) surgery but not for cervical spinal surgery. This approval gives patients two options for replacement of cervical disks.

    Cervical Fusion

    • In a cervical fusion, the damaged disk is replaced with bone taken from the patient's hip or a cadaver. A metal plate with screws is used to hold the bone in place. The bone graft fuses to the vertebrae on each side; this eliminates motion that is producing pain. Instead of the natural motion occurring between the vertebrae that is absorbed by a disk, the bone fusion prevents any motion by the vertebrae.

    Artificial Disk Replacement

    • Artificial disk replacement is, in simple terms, changing out a part. The old damaged disk is removed and a new one is inserted in its place. It is attached to each vertebrae with bone screws. The purpose of the artificial disk is to perform the same function as the natural disk.

    Comparisons

    • Artificial disk replacement surgery costs less and patients have a greater satisfaction than with cervical fusion, according to an article published by Cedars-Sinai Hospital on March 18, 2011. Costs averaged 49 percent lower; satisfaction rates were 88 percent for artificial disk replacement versus 76 percent for cervical fusion. When comparing future surgery, cervical fusion patients were four times more likely to need additional surgery. This is due to the effect on adjacent levels of disks. Without the shock absorber effect in the fused area, the other disks receive more of the wear and tear. One less disk to absorb the shock means greater stress on the remaining disks.

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