Cervical artificial disc replacement surgery (ADR) is typically recommended to those patients with a cervical herniated disc  who have not responded well to conservative (non-surgical) treatments.   

When a cervical herniated disc compresses a cervical nerve or the spinal cord it can cause pain in the arm as well as tingling, numbness and arm muscle weakness. These symptoms can significantly affect an individual’s ability to function without restriction on a day to day basis and as a consequence, this impacts quality of life.

Artificial disc replacement for a cervical herniated disc by a minimally invasive approach has become the preferred surgical option for treating herniated discs after cervical root decompression. 

An artificial cervical disc is a device which has been designed to replicate the function of a healthy human disc. By removing the problematic disc and inserting an implant ensures that a level of motion is maintained, support is provided and adequate disc space is restored to the cervical spine. As the intent of the device is to preserve motion at the disc space and because the procedure can be performed at multiple levels, it is considered by many as a more desirable alternative to spinal fusion which purposely eliminates motion at the operated disc(s).  Spinal fusion is now an option generally reserved for patients were the disc herniation is associated with other biomechanical abnormalities of the cervical spine. 

With the development of techniques and implants, ADR is now also performed to address problems caused by degenerative disc disease (DDD) a condition brought about by age-related changes, genetics and life style.   Patients undergoing ADR surgery for DDD enjoy the same benefits as those patients receiving treatment for a herniated disc.

To summarise, cervical ADR surgery may be performed at multiple levels for patients suffering from a herniated disc or DDD and it is considered in some cases, as a viable alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The advantages of cervical artificial disc replacement over fusion include:   

• Maintained neck motion
• Reduces further degeneration of adjacent segments
  of  the cervical spine
• Eliminates the need for a bone graft
• Early postoperative neck motion
• Faster return to normal activity

Medical Advantage Barcelona is proud to be working with the renowned spinal surgeon Dr. Pablo Clavel and his team of professionals at the Barcelona Spine Center.  Qualified and experienced in performing multiple level cervical ADR using the most reliable implants available, Dr Clavel is considered a leading specialist in the field of minimally invasive cervical ADR surgery.
 
 If you believe you are a good candidate for cervical ADR surgery or  you would like Dr Clavel to evaluate your case for treatment please contact us at info@medabcn.com  providing details of your case and if possible, your latest scan/test results.  Alternatively you may make your enquiries by using the ‘Make and enquiry’ form on our website.