Cervical disc surgery that replaces the damaged neck disc with an artificial disc is a relatively new procedure. It was first approved for use in the U.S. by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004. The goal of artificial disc replacement is to maintain neck mobility and allow rapid return to normal activities without a prolonged period of immobilization. People with bone loss from osteoporosis and those whose bones have already begun to fuse may not be candidates for artificial disc replacement, eOrthopod reports. Like any surgery, cervical disc replacement has risks.
Spontaneous Fusion
Spinal fusion immobilizes the fused vertebrae and decreases a person's ability to move their neck, something that artificial disc placement aims to avoid. Development of spontaneous fusion after artificial disc placement can occur if ossification, or abnormal bone growth, develops around the new disc, according to the May 2010 issue of "Orthopaedic Surgery." Ossification occurred in anywhere from 17 to 76 percent of patients in reported studies, according to the report. Irrigating the operative side adequately to remove bone dust may reduce the risk of ossification. Administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after surgery may also decrease the risk. Using a large implant may also help prevent bone from filling in around it, eOrthopod states.
Kyphosis
Development of kyphosis, an abnormal straightness in the cervical spine, can also restrict movement after cervical disc replacement, eOrthopod reports. People who already have some degree of kyphosis should not have artificial disc replacement surgery. Proper placement and securing of the artificial disc may help patients avoid kyphosis, "Orthopaedic Surgery" states.
Loosening
Loosening of the disc and abnormal movement which moves the disc out of place may occur if bone around the implant deteriorates due to osteoporosis, wear-and-tear over time or other factors. Debris from the surgical procedure can cause inflammation that can also result in joint loosening.
Subsidence
Subsidence, sagging of the disc into the end plates that hold it in place, can result in loss of movement and damage to the disc below. People with a collapsed disc may require use of a thinner, wider implant to avoid subsidence, eOrthopod reports.
