The cervical disc is the elastic pad that separates each vertebrae, allowing a small amount of motion in six axes. The sum of these movements among the 7 cervical vertebrae allows movement and hence renders the neck flexible
Arthroplasty involves replacing intervertebral disc prosthesis which will fully restore original mobility.
This technique is reserved for disk failure (or herniated disc disease), although it is advisable to be applied on all patients, as there are a number of criteria that exclude this possibility as for example, the presence of osteoarthritis or deformity. In general, this technique is reserved for young patients with little deterioration of the bone structures of the neck.
Benefits of intervention
The goal of arthroplasty is to decompress the neural structures of the canal, compressed by a herniated cervical disk, hence restoring the mobility of the cervical segment instead of setting it with plates and screws.
The result in terms of symptoms of compression is the same as that of the classical technique of fixation, however, neck mobility is not altered.
Medical-technical description
The approach to the neck is made from the front through a transversal incision that is often well hidden.
The cervical disc is removed from the nerve to decompress the cervical canal or nerve roots and a size of prosthesis that restores the original height of the disk is chosen.
There are many models of cervical prostheses with different mechanical properties. Your surgeon will choose the one deemed most appropriate for you.
The intervention
Cervical arthroplasty is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The usual duration of this intervention is of between 30 and 90 min, depending on the number of discs to be replaced while the patient remains in the operating room and recovery area between 1.5 and 4 hours. The patient will be hospitalized from 12 to 36 hours.
Preoperative Measures
- Assessment prior to consultation, deciding and stating the specific aspects of the intervention and giving informed consent.
- Conduct a comprehensive preoperative laboratory test, ECG and X-ray studies
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke 48 hours before surgery.
- If surgery is scheduled in the morning, you should go to hospital without breakfast. If it is afternoon, have an early breakfast and do not take food or drink from 9 am.
- Do not wear any metal objects during the operation (rings, bracelets, earrings, piercing, etc.)
Post-operative care
- Must change position in bed with help, constantly avoiding to stay on your back
- Drains (if any) will be removed 24 hours after surgery
- The patient will generally get up the day after surgery
- A cervical collar is not required, as the mobility of the neck must be respected. Sudden movements (sports) must be avoided for 6 weeks
- You will receive postoperative medication guidelines, including an anti-inflammatory that you should take for 3 weeks but not in pain, because it prevents the formation of calcification that block the mobility of the prosthesis
- Once discharged, you must contact us if you have weakness in the extremities, fever and chills, or drainage from the wound
- Once discharged, likewise, some of the following movements and postures must be avoided for 2 weeks:
- Lift weights
- Housework
- Driving
