Cervical disc replacement (cervical arthroplasty) removes a diseased cervical disc and replaces it with an FDA-approved artificial disc implant — preserving the natural motion of that spinal segment rather than fusing the vertebrae together. For the right candidate, this motion-preserving approach may reduce stress on adjacent levels over time.
What Is Cervical Disc Arthroplasty?
Cervical disc replacement is performed through the same anterior (front-of-the-neck) approach as ACDF. The diseased disc is removed and the nerve or spinal cord is decompressed. Instead of a bone graft and plate, a metal-and-polymer artificial disc implant is seated between the vertebrae. The implant replicates the natural biomechanics of the disc, allowing the segment to flex, extend, and rotate.
Not every patient is a candidate for disc replacement. The procedure is most effective for younger patients (typically under 60) with one or two levels of disease, without significant facet joint arthritis that would limit motion regardless of the disc, and without instability or deformity that would require fusion. Dr. Chavarria evaluates each patient's MRI, CT, and clinical presentation to determine whether disc replacement or ACDF is the better-suited procedure.
FDA-approved cervical disc replacement devices have been rigorously studied in large, randomized controlled trials with 5–10 year follow-up, demonstrating results equivalent to or better than ACDF for relieving radiculopathy (arm pain and numbness) with maintained neck motion and a lower reported rate of adjacent segment reoperation.
Are You a Candidate?
- Patients under age 60 with single or two-level cervical disc herniation causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness
- Patients without significant cervical facet arthritis or instability on imaging
- Patients who prioritize preserving cervical motion and reducing long-term adjacent segment stress
- Patients who have failed conservative treatment (physical therapy, cervical injections, medications)
- Patients without severe osteoporosis that could compromise implant fixation
What to Expect
Pre-operative: MRI and CT scans are reviewed to confirm facet joint health and structural candidacy. Dr. Chavarria will compare disc replacement and ACDF with you at the consultation and explain the trade-offs of each approach.
Day of surgery: The procedure takes 1–2 hours. Recovery is similar to ACDF — a small dressing, mild soreness at the incision and mild swallowing discomfort for a few days, and typically same-day discharge.
First 4 weeks: A soft collar is often not required (preserving motion is encouraged). Most patients return to light office work within 2–3 weeks. Activity is gradually increased.
3–6 months: Follow-up X-rays confirm proper implant positioning and confirm motion is being maintained at the operative level. Cervical physical therapy focuses on strengthening and range-of-motion exercises.
Why Choose Dr. Chavarria for Your Cervical Disc Arthroplasty in Reno?
- Preserves natural cervical motion at the treated level
- May reduce long-term risk of adjacent segment disease compared to fusion
- Same familiar anterior approach — reliable and safe
- FDA-approved with 10+ years of clinical evidence
- No bone graft harvesting or donor site discomfort
- Recovery often faster than fusion — motion encouraged from the start