Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

This procedure removes a degenerative or damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc. This artificial disc mimics what a normal disc would do, which is to absorb shock between the bones. When the disc is damaged or moves out of its normal position it can put pressure on the spinal nerves or cord. When this happens, bone spurs may form as a way for your body to react to the damaged disc. This degeneration will cause radiating pain from the neck to your shoulders and all the way down your arms. By removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc patients get relief.

How is a Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery Performed?

  1. The patient will first be anesthetized.
  2. The Neurosurgeon will make a small incision (1 to 2 inches) in the side or front of your neck.
  3. Structures in your neck will now be moved aside carefully in order to get to the cervical spine.
  4. The surgeon will remove the damaged disc
  5. The artificial disc will now be installed into the disc space
  6. The surgeon will now close the incision and take you into the post operative recovery area

Recovery After Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

This surgery is performed by our Neurosurgeons in one of our outpatient surgery centers across Central Florida. There will be no need to stay overnight, all patients will be able to return home the same day of the surgery.

Post Operative Recovery Area

The Nurses will move you to the post operative recovery area and check your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. If everything checks out you will then be discharged.

Discharge

  1. Post Operative Narcotics may be prescribed but for no longer than a week
  2. A Sore Throat is normal and there may be difficulty eating and swallowing for the first week
  3. A neck brace may also be prescribed
  4. A post operative appointment will be scheduled usually about 4-6 weeks after the surgery

Restrictions

  1. Anti-Inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin should not be taken due to the ability for these drugs to cause bleeding and mess with the healing process
  2. Do not lift heavy objects
  3. Avoid moving your head forward or backwards
  4. Avoid sitting in one place for long periods of time

How Long is the Recovery Process?

Physical Therapy is most likely going to be recommended to speed up the recovery process. In about 4-6 weeks you will be able to return to doing light activities. After two months you may fully recover from your artificial disc replacement surgery. Some patients, it may take up to three months to recover.

If you are considering getting an artificial disc replacement in Florida come to Florida Surgery Consultants. We have two board certified Neurosurgeons who are experts in Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery. Please give us a call at 888-411-6824 to schedule your consultation with one of our spine surgeons. You will also be able to use the consultation form on this page to reach one of our schedulers.

Patients who have radicular pain caused by a bad disc herniation are perfect candidates. Patients who get Artificial Disc Replacements can be anywhere from ages 20-70

The main difference between the two types of surgeries is that the vertebrae is not fused together with ADR surgery. The disc is removed and replaced with an Artificial Disc. The Artificial Disc Replacement procedure is also faster in recovery.

There is about a 89-97% success rate when it comes to ADR surgery.

At Florida Surgery Consultants, we perform surgeries at an outpatient facility and will have up out in a few hours. You will be able to begin walking after surgery.

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Glossary

Center of the disc in your spine

aritifical disc replacement

lies in-between each vertebrae so the bones in your spine do not rub against one another

Discs