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Anterior Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement
Normal Discs
The cervical spine consists of the bony vertebrae, discs, nerves and other structures. The vertebrae, which stack up to create your spinal column, surround and protect your spinal cord. The discs are located between each vertebra. Discs consist of a fibrous outer layer (annulus) surrounding a gelatinous center (nucleus). They allow motion between vertebrae, act as shock absorbers, and distribute the stress and strain placed on your spine.
Herniated Discs
When a disk weakens, the outer layer may not be able to hold the center of the disc in place and the disc may “bulge” which can irritate nerves. In advanced cases it may actually rupture (herniate) through the annulus and pinch the spinal nerves. This can cause numbness, weakness, and/or pain which radiate down the arm into the hand; or can cause difficulty with fine motor movements. If pressure on the spinal nerves continues, nerve damage can occur and cause either numbness or muscle weakness as well. Most patients with herniated discs do well without surgery; however a small percentage may require surgery. There are rare circumstances in which some patients require immediate surgery. These include progressive neurologic loss such as increased weakness or paralysis.
Treatment Options for Herniated Cervical Discs
Conservative Management: Many herniated discs get better with time, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical conditioning. Cervical traction or steroid injections may help relieve the pain and inflammation around the nerves. If these attempts at conservative care do not relieve symptoms or if there is progressive neurological damage, surgery may be necessary.
Anterior Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (CADR) is an operation to remove a herniated disc (discectomy) in the neck. This surgery involves a 3–4 inch diagonal incision on the front (anterior) of your neck. Because the incision follows a natural skin fold the resulting scar can be very cosmetic. The doctor protects the nerve roots and safely removes the herniated disc, eliminating pressure on the nerve. Then, the surgeon will determine the necessary size of the artificial disc by using a template. Next, the device will be implanted. Unlike fusion, these devices have motion kinematics similar to natural discs.
The purpose of this surgery is to relieve arm/hand pain, numbness, weakness, or lack of coordination and fine motor control caused by pressure on the nerves while maintaining natural motion in the neck. The success rate of relieving arm pain is very high.
The surgery typically lasts 2–2½ hours, depending on the number of discs operated upon, whether or not previous surgery has been performed, and the severity of pressure on the nerves. Blood loss is minimal so no blood donations are necessary before the operation. Time spent in the hospital is brief—most patients can go home one to two days after the surgery. The most common complaint of patients after this surgery is difficulty with swallowing. This is due to movement of the throat contents necessary to access the spine. This usually resolves over a few weeks after surgery, but may necessitate eating only liquids or soft solids during that period.
Risks of Surgery
Surgery and anaesthesia involve stresses to many organs and tissues in the body. Incisions and handling tissues during surgery can result in many problems. The benefits of surgery must be carefully weighed against these risks. Some more common or serious problems are listed here.
Spinal Cord or Nerve Root Injury: Permanent injury to the spinal cord or nerve roots is extremely rare. It is not unusual, however to experience minor temporary tingling, numbness, weakness or pain which resolves over several weeks. All precautions will be taken but rarely, more serious nerve injuries may occur, effecting walking, balance, bowel or bladder functions.
Dural Tear: Leakage of spinal fluid can occur due to a tear in the tissue (called the “dura”) holding the spinal fluid and containing the nerves. On rare occasions additional surgery may be needed.
Infection: Infection is always a post-operative risk and occurs in approximately 1–2% of surgical patients, varying by surgery type. Infections may be superficial or deep into the bone. You are given antibiotics before and after the surgery to help prevent this complication. Please follow the instructions for wound care to help prevent infection.
Airway Compromise: Extremely rarely swelling within the neck can cause difficulty with breathing. If this occurs in the hospital, a breathing tube may need to be kept in place. If this occurs at home, it is an emergency and requires transportation to an emergency room.
Other complications: Other possible complications include blood clots, pneumonia and complications related to the general anesthesia. Persistent hoarseness and/or swallowing problems may last for several weeks. Please call us if this persists.
Activities and Exercise / Rehabilitation
Adequate rehabilitation is crucial for a successful result. Many patients with spinal injuries have suffered from spinal pain for some time. This may result in considerable weakening of the spinal muscles due to lack of exercise, so you should return to your normal activities slowly.
The primary form of rehabilitation after surgery is an aggressive walking program. You should start immediately after discharge, walking more and more each day. In general, we recommend two to three episodes of exercise per day. The average patient can be walking 15 minutes twice a day by their first postoperative visit and 30–40 minutes twice a day by six weeks after surgery. Walk more if you are so inclined!
Expectations
Patients routinely experience a dramatic, remarkable reduction in their arm pain. If the nerve has been irritated for a long time, then a more gradual reduction of the arm pain is to be expected. As the nerve heals, expect tingling or a warm feeling. Depending on how long the symptoms have been present, strength is usually the second symptom to improve. Numbness in your arm / hand is the last to resolve and, if present for long enough prior to surgery, may be permanent.
Neck pain associated with the incision is largely improved within two to three weeks. Increased pain with prolonged sitting and driving is also expected and, for safety reasons, we recommend refraining from driving for approximately three weeks.
Wound Care
At your first post-operative visit we will inspect your wound and remove any stitches as necessary.
Do not soak your wound!
Do not soak your wound. No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub, etc. until you have received permission from your physician. Do not remove any “butterfly” bandages right next to your skin. These are designed to get wet and fall off in the shower over time.
- If you have a clear plastic bandage over your wound, you may shower right away. You may remove the clear plastic on arrival home, and then you may shower as listed below.
- If you have no clear plastic, but instead have a gauze dressing, you may not shower until 72 hours after your surgery and only if your bandage does not have wet drainage on it.
Medications
Prescribed narcotic pain medication may cause some constipation. To help with this:
- Increase your fluid and fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- Walk as much as possible
If you need a refill on your pain medication, please have your pharmacy fax the refill request to our office @833-472-3627 and please allow up to 48 hours for the request to be processed. Refills on pain medication will not be filled after hours or on weekends or holidays. Be aware of how much pain medication you have, & obtain refills before you run out.
Activity Limitations
Avoid twisting your neck to the extremes, and avoid forced bending of your neck either forward or backward. Gentle range of motion of the neck is OK. Do not drive until you have received permission from your physician.
Treatment
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Call the spine center if you are experiencing the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Temperature greater than 101.5°F (38.5° C)
- Changes in or difficulty with balance while walking
- Increased weakness or numbness to your arms or legs
- Increased or unusual pain not relieved by pain medication
- Increased redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage at your incision site
ABOUT
Dr. Amer Khalil is a fellowship trained & board certified neurosurgeon with specialty in artificial disc replacement and minimally invasive spine surgery. His clinical interests include cervical and lumbar spine surgery (eg, sciatica), complex deformity surgery and scoliosis, lateral access and minimally invasive surgical procedures, spine fractures and spinal cord injury, spinal tumors, spondylosis and spondylolisthesis. Dr. Khalil has special interest in innovative therapies and technologies to improve the health of patients.
Why Choose Us?
A minimally invasive approach is our standard of care.
Personalized Care
Our team takes the time to get to know your condition and your desired outcome. Together we make a plan.
Modern Technology
Utilizing state of the art facilities and the most up to date devices available, our team provides unparalleled care.
Experience
As one of the most experienced spine surgeons in Southern California, Dr. Khalil has the ability to manage the most complicated spine issues.
