Cervical Disc Replacement:
Preserve Motion. Relieve Pain.
A motion-preserving alternative to cervical fusion — replace the damaged disc, keep your neck moving naturally, and get back to life faster.
A motion-preserving alternative to cervical fusion — replace the damaged disc, keep your neck moving naturally, and get back to life faster.
Cervical disc replacement (also called cervical arthroplasty) is an advanced surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or degenerated disc in the neck with an artificial disc, preserving natural motion at the treated level — unlike fusion, which eliminates motion entirely.
The artificial disc is designed to mimic the function of a healthy disc, allowing you to maintain your neck's natural range of motion while eliminating the pain caused by the damaged disc pressing on spinal nerves. This motion-preserving approach may also reduce stress on adjacent discs, potentially lowering the risk of future degeneration at neighboring levels.
The procedure is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach), typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and most patients go home the same day or the following morning.
Preserves natural neck motion — no loss of range of motion at the treated level
Protects adjacent discs — reduced stress on levels above and below may prevent future problems
Faster return to activity — no need to wait for bone fusion; most patients resume activities within weeks
No bone graft needed — eliminates graft-site pain and fusion-related complications
No neck brace required — most patients do not need post-operative bracing
Cervical disc replacement is ideal for patients with single or two-level cervical disc disease causing nerve compression. You may be a candidate if you have:
Cervical radiculopathy — arm pain, numbness, or tingling caused by a compressed nerve root in the neck
Cervical myelopathy — spinal cord compression causing weakness, coordination problems, or gait changes
Herniated cervical disc that hasn't improved with conservative treatment over 6+ weeks
Degenerative cervical disc disease with confirmed nerve or cord compression on MRI
Failed conservative care — physical therapy, injections, and medication haven't provided adequate relief
Same day or next day: Most patients are discharged the day of surgery or the following morning. Walking is encouraged immediately.
First 2 weeks: Gradual return to light daily activities. Most patients notice significant arm pain improvement immediately after surgery.
2-6 weeks: Progressive return to desk work, driving, and normal routines. Light exercise can begin as directed.
6-12 weeks: Most patients return to full activity including sports and physical work. The artificial disc continues to settle and integrate over the first year.
Call (714) 598-1745Modern cervical artificial discs are designed to last decades. Clinical studies with 10+ year follow-up show excellent durability with maintained motion and high patient satisfaction rates.
For eligible patients, disc replacement offers the advantage of preserved motion and potentially lower rates of adjacent-level disease. However, fusion remains the gold standard for certain conditions like significant instability or multi-level disease. Your surgeon will recommend the best option for your specific situation.
Two-level disc replacement is FDA-approved and routinely performed with excellent outcomes. Three or more levels may be better served by a combination approach or fusion, depending on your anatomy and condition.
Yes, cervical disc replacement is covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare when medically indicated. Our team handles all pre-authorization to confirm coverage before your procedure.
When fusion may be the better choice — understanding ACDF and other cervical fusion approaches.
Laminectomy and other decompression procedures for cervical and lumbar stenosis.
Speak directly with our team to find out if this procedure is right for you.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine welcomes patients from throughout Orange County — including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Beach — as well as neighboring Los Angeles County communities including La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, Long Beach, Lakewood, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Buena Park.
Same-week consultations available. Most insurances and Medicare accepted.