Treatment Overview
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (CDA), also known as cervical disc replacement, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or degenerated cervical disc with an artificial disc implant. Unlike traditional fusion surgeries, CDA allows for the preservation of neck motion.
Causes
CDA is typically recommended for patients with cervical disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, or other degenerative disc disorders causing significant pain, numbness, or weakness that has not responded to conservative treatments.
Procedure Details
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and carefully places an artificial disc in its place. This artificial disc mimics the natural movement of a healthy disc, allowing for continued neck flexibility.
Benefits
The key benefits of CDA include pain relief, maintenance of normal neck motion, and quicker recovery compared to fusion procedures. By preserving motion, CDA reduces the risk of adjacent segment degeneration, which can occur with fusion surgeries.
Medical Terms
- Arthroplasty: Surgical repair or replacement of a joint or disc.
- Cervical Spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear affecting the cervical spine.
- Artificial Disc: A prosthetic device used to replace a damaged spinal disc, designed to replicate natural motion.