A common question asked by patients is:

How Long Does an Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) Last?

Studies have shown that an artificial disc can last up to 70 years without the need for further revisions. However, like all medical devices, the answer may vary from patient to patient.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

What Is Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement?

Cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) removes and replaces a damaged cervical intervertebral disc that causes neck and/or upper extremity pain. Following a quick recovery, the new disc functions just like a healthy one—motion is not limited, nerve roots are not compressed.

The steps used to perform a cervical ADR are:

• Incision. A small incision is made along natural skin folds on the front of the neck.
• Disc removal. The damaged disc and pieces of arthritic nerve compressing bone are removed.
• Implant insertion. Disc height is restored and the artificial disc is placed between adjacent vertebrae.

A cervical ADR is only performed on one vertebral level. Patients who have multiple level disc damages may be better suited for a spinal fusion procedure. Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialists perform cervical artificial disc replacement.

What Conditions Does Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Treat?

Candidates for cervical ADR have neck and/or extremity pain that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Common conditions that cause such pain are:

Herniated Disc. An intervertebral disc slips into the spinal canal and pinches a spinal nerve root.

Osteoarthritis. An intervertebral disc becomes irritated, inflamed, and damaged.

Please do not delay a diagnosis if you are in pain. A specialist will accurately diagnose your condition and create a customized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Contact us to make your appointment as soon as possible.