At Royal Spine Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge solutions for spinal health. Also known as artificial disc replacement, cervical disc arthroplasty is a surgical procedure designed to treat cervical disc degeneration. During this procedure, a damaged disc is replaced with a cervical artificial disc implant, restoring motion and function to the spine.
On cervical disc arthroplasty vs. fusion, anterior cervical disc arthroplasty offers several advantages. It preserves motion in the spine, reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration and maintaining flexibility. Additionally, patients often experience quicker cervical disc arthroplasty recovery times and may have a lower risk of developing complications such as adjacent segment disease.
At Royal Spine Surgery, we understand the importance of convenience and comfort for our patients. In select cases, cervical artificial disc replacement can be performed in the outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day of their surgery. Our experienced team will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Before Surgery
2 Years After Surgery
MRI showing disc herniation at C5 - C6
X-rays showing cervical disc arthroplasty at C5-C6 level (2 years post surgery, maintaining range of motion and mobility in different neck positions
X-rays showing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery C4 to C7 (for comparison to the above ones.)
Anterior cervical disc arthroplasty can help alleviate pain and restore mobility by replacing the degenerated disc with an artificial one, allowing for smoother neck movement.
MORE ABOUT DISC DEGENERATION
Cervical disc arthroplasty surgery can relieve symptoms associated with herniated discs by replacing the affected disc, potentially reducing nerve compression and alleviating pain or weakness.
MORE ABOUT DISC HERNIATION
Cervical disc arthroplasty surgery can alleviate symptoms of cervical radiculopathy by removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one, reducing nerve compression and relieving pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve pathway.
MORE ABOUT PINCHED NERVE
Cervical disc arthroplasty may also be considered for individuals with degenerative disc disease who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications.
MORE ABOUT DISC DISEASE
Cervical disc arthroplasty, also known as artificial disc replacement, is an advanced surgical procedure designed to treat damaged or degenerated discs in the cervical spine while preserving natural neck movement. Unlike traditional fusion procedures, cervical artificial disc replacement removes the affected disc and replaces it with an artificial implant that maintains motion between the vertebrae.
At Royal Spine Surgery, cervical disc arthroplasty is often recommended for patients experiencing symptoms related to cervical disc degeneration, cervical radiculopathy, or herniated cervical discs that have not responded to conservative treatment. By preserving mobility and reducing pressure on nearby spinal structures, this procedure can help patients return to daily activities with improved function and comfort.
Cervical disc arthroplasty is designed to relieve symptoms caused by damaged cervical discs while preserving natural spinal movement. For many patients, it offers an effective alternative to spinal fusion when appropriate.
Maintains motion at the treated spinal level rather than permanently fusing the vertebrae together.
Helps reduce pressure on spinal nerve roots that may be causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Replaces damaged discs affected by wear, degeneration, or injury.
Preserving motion may help decrease strain on neighboring cervical discs over time.
Some patients may return to normal activities sooner than with traditional spinal fusion procedures.
Cervical disc arthroplasty targets specific structures within the cervical spine that may be affected by degeneration, disc damage, or nerve compression. By replacing the damaged disc with an artificial implant, the procedure is designed to restore function while preserving motion.
Cervical disc arthroplasty is commonly used to address conditions that affect the cervical spine, spinal discs, and surrounding nerve structures. The procedure is designed to relieve symptoms while maintaining motion at the treated spinal level.
Replaces worn or damaged discs that may contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced function.
Helps relieve nerve-related symptoms that radiate from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands.
Reduces pressure on affected nerve roots to improve comfort and function.
Helps alleviate radiating pain caused by compressed cervical nerves.
Relieves neurological symptoms associated with cervical nerve irritation.
Preserves motion while treating the underlying disc condition affecting neck movement.
You may be a candidate for cervical disc arthroplasty if you have persistent neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by cervical disc degeneration, a herniated cervical disc, or cervical radiculopathy that has not improved with conservative treatment. Many patients explore artificial disc replacement after physical therapy, medications, injections, or other non-surgical approaches have failed to provide lasting relief. The best candidates typically have one or two affected cervical disc levels and are seeking a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion. During your consultation at Royal Spine Surgery, a comprehensive evaluation, imaging review, and discussion of your symptoms will help determine whether cervical artificial disc replacement is the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.
Your cervical disc arthroplasty journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Royal Spine Surgery. During this appointment, your symptoms, medical history, imaging studies, and treatment goals will be carefully reviewed to determine whether cervical artificial disc replacement is an appropriate option for your condition.
Prior to surgery, you may undergo diagnostic testing, medical clearance, and pre-operative evaluations to ensure you are prepared for the procedure. Your surgical team will provide detailed instructions regarding medications, fasting requirements, and any activity modifications needed before surgery.
Cervical disc arthroplasty is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the damaged cervical disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc designed to preserve motion and maintain function within the cervical spine. In select cases, the procedure may be performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Following surgery, patients are encouraged to begin gentle movement as directed by their surgeon. Many individuals experience relief from nerve compression symptoms relatively quickly, though recovery timelines vary based on the extent of treatment and individual healing factors. Gradual improvement in comfort, mobility, and function continues throughout the recovery process.
Regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor healing, evaluate spinal function, and ensure the artificial disc is performing as intended. Ongoing assessments help guide activity progression and support a safe return to normal daily routines while preserving long-term neck mobility.
Cervical disc arthroplasty is designed to provide long-term relief from symptoms associated with cervical disc degeneration, herniated cervical discs, and cervical radiculopathy while preserving motion in the neck. The artificial discs used in cervical disc replacement surgery are engineered for durability and are intended to function for many years.
Long-term outcomes can vary based on factors such as overall spinal health, activity level, and the condition being treated. Many patients experience lasting improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life while maintaining motion at the treated spinal level.
Cervical disc arthroplasty is often part of a broader spine care plan designed to support recovery, mobility, and long-term spinal health. Depending on your condition and goals, additional treatments may complement surgical intervention and help optimize outcomes.
Supports recovery through personalized strategies focused on nutrition, lifestyle habits, stress management, and overall wellness.
May help support strength, conditioning, and overall physical function as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.
Helps address ongoing nerve-related symptoms affecting the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.
A minimally invasive surgical option that may be recommended for other spinal conditions when appropriate.
| Treatment | Primary Focus | Motion Preservation | Best For | Recovery |
| Cervical Disc Arthroplasty | Replaces a damaged cervical disc with an artificial implant | Yes | Cervical disc degeneration, herniated cervical discs, and cervical radiculopathy | Often allows for a quicker return to activity while preserving motion |
| Minimally Invasive Fusion Surgery | Stabilizes the spine by permanently fusing vertebrae | No | Spinal instability, severe degeneration, and certain complex spinal conditions | Typically requires a longer recovery period due to bone fusion |
| MicroTube™ Spine Surgery | Minimally invasive decompression of nerves and spinal structures | Yes | Select spinal conditions involving nerve compression | Designed to minimize tissue disruption and support recovery |
| Functional Wellness | Non-surgical approach focused on overall health and recovery | Yes | Patients seeking supportive therapies for mobility, strength, and wellness | No surgical recovery required |
| SpineVive™ / BodyVive™ | Supports strength, conditioning, and physical function | Yes | Patients focused on rehabilitation, performance, and long-term wellness | No surgical recovery required |
Choosing the right spine surgeon is an important part of deciding whether cervical disc arthroplasty is right for you. At Royal Spine Surgery, patients receive advanced spine care from a team focused on personalized diagnosis, minimally invasive options, motion preservation, and long-term recovery support.
Royal Spine Surgery proudly serves patients seeking cervical disc arthroplasty in Scottsdale, AZ, and throughout the surrounding communities. Patients travel from across the Greater Phoenix area for advanced spine care focused on motion preservation, nerve decompression, and long-term spinal health.
Cervical disc arthroplasty offers an advanced, motion-preserving solution for patients experiencing neck pain, nerve compression, cervical disc degeneration, and related spinal conditions. This procedure replaces a damaged disc with an artificial implant to relieve symptoms while maintaining natural movement within the cervical spine.
At Royal Spine Surgery, patients receive personalized care from Dr. Mohamed M. Abdulhamid and a team dedicated to advanced spine health and long-term recovery. Visit us at 9377 E Bell Rd #343, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, call 480-613-8166, or schedule an online consultation to learn whether cervical disc arthroplasty may be the right treatment option for you.
You may be a candidate if you have persistent neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by cervical disc degeneration, a herniated disc, or cervical radiculopathy that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, medication, or injections. Ideal candidates typically have one or two affected disc levels. A comprehensive evaluation and imaging review during your consultation will confirm whether artificial disc replacement is right for your specific condition.
Cervical disc arthroplasty replaces the damaged disc with an artificial implant that preserves motion at the treated spinal level. Spinal fusion, by contrast, permanently joins the adjacent vertebrae together, eliminating movement at that segment entirely. Because arthroplasty maintains natural motion, it may also help reduce added stress on neighboring discs that fusion patients sometimes experience over time.
Many patients return to light activities within a few weeks, with continued improvement in strength, comfort, and mobility over the following months. Recovery time depends on factors like the number of levels treated, your overall health, and how closely you follow your surgeon’s post-operative guidance. Your care team will walk you through a personalized recovery timeline during your consultation.
Yes, preserving mobility is one of the central goals of this procedure. Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently locks the treated segment in place, the artificial disc is engineered to maintain a natural range of motion, allowing most patients to retain movement that closely resembles their pre-surgery flexibility.
Artificial cervical discs are built for long-term durability and are designed to function for many years, often decades, in appropriately selected patients. Individual longevity can vary based on activity level, bone health, and how well the disc integrates with surrounding structures. Your surgeon can speak to expected longevity based on your specific case and implant type.
Yes, this is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, since it involves removing the damaged disc and precisely placing the artificial implant. Your surgical team will review anesthesia details, any pre-operative fasting requirements, and what to expect the day of surgery during your pre-op appointment.
Cost depends on factors like the number of disc levels treated, your insurance coverage, and the complexity of your specific case. Royal Spine Surgery also offers CareCredit financing to help make treatment more accessible. Our team will review your coverage and provide a clear picture of expected costs during your consultation.
Cervical disc arthroplasty is a well-established procedure with a strong track record when performed by an experienced spine surgeon on an appropriately selected candidate. As with any surgery, there are risks to discuss, and your surgeon will review your specific health history, imaging, and candidacy in detail before recommending this approach.
Immediately after surgery, many patients notice relief from nerve-related symptoms like arm pain, numbness, or tingling as pressure on the affected nerve root is relieved. Long-term, the artificial disc is designed to preserve motion and support spinal function for years, with continued improvement in comfort, strength, and mobility as recovery progresses.
As with any surgery, temporary soreness, swelling, or stiffness at the surgical site is common during initial recovery and typically improves within the first few weeks. Less common risks, which your surgeon will review in detail, can include infection, implant-related complications, or issues related to anesthesia.
Yes, cervical disc arthroplasty can be performed at multiple levels when appropriate, though single or two-level treatment is most common for this procedure. Multi-level candidacy depends on factors like the extent of disc degeneration, overall spinal alignment, and your surgeon’s assessment of your imaging. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
While artificial discs are designed for long-term durability, revision surgery is occasionally needed if complications arise or if a patient’s condition changes over time. If this becomes necessary, your surgeon will discuss the specific approach, which may include disc revision or, in some cases, conversion to a fusion procedure depending on your individual circumstances.
