Treat the disc. Keep the motion.

Cervical disc replacement, also called disc arthroplasty, removes a worn or herniated disc in the neck and puts an implant designed to move in its place, instead of fusing the two bones together. It relieves pressure on the nerve or spinal cord the same way ACDF does, while keeping that level moving. Dr. Vemuri does both operations, so his recommendation is based on your anatomy and your imaging, not on the one procedure he offers. No referral needed, and same-week appointments are available. Hablamos español: (502) 362-1780.

Call (502) 242-6370

1–2

Levels where disc replacement is considered

Home

The same day, for many disc replacements

Referral needed

5,000+

Spine surgeries by Dr. V

1–2

Levels where disc replacement is considered

Home

The same day, for many disc replacements

Referral needed

5,000+

Spine surgeries by Dr. V

What disc replacement is.

Discs sit between the bones of your neck. When one wears down or herniates, it can press on a nerve and cause arm pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. If it presses on the spinal cord, it can affect balance or the fine movements of your hands. In disc replacement, the damaged disc is removed through a small incision at the front of the neck, the pressure on the nerve or cord is relieved, and an artificial disc is placed in the space. The implant is designed to keep that level moving. In ACDF, the same space is filled with bone graft and the level is fused. Both are good operations. Which one fits depends on you.

Dr. Venu Vemuri at miiSpine in Louisville

Disc replacement or ACDF? It depends on your spine.

Disc replacement is considered for arm pain, numbness or weakness, or signs of spinal cord pressure, from a disc at one or two levels, when conservative care hasn't helped. It tends to suit people whose problem is the disc itself and whose small joints at the back of the neck are still healthy. It's usually not the right fit if there's significant arthritis in those joints, abnormal movement or alignment between the bones, or weak bone from osteoporosis. In those cases ACDF, which fuses the level, is the sturdier choice. Dr. Vemuri looks at your symptoms, your exam and your imaging before recommending either one, or neither.

How the surgery goes.

A small incision at the front

Dr. Vemuri makes a short incision in a skin crease at the front of your neck and moves the soft tissue aside to reach the spine. No muscle is cut.

The disc comes out, the nerve is freed

The damaged disc and any bone spurs pressing on the nerve or spinal cord are removed.

The artificial disc goes in

An implant sized to your spine is placed in the disc space under X-ray guidance. For appropriately selected patients, this is outpatient surgery.

What to expect.

Before

A visit with Dr. Vemuri, your MRI reviewed with you in the room, and a plain answer on whether disc replacement, ACDF or non-surgical care is the right call.

The day of surgery

For appropriately selected patients, disc replacement at miiSpine is outpatient surgery. You arrive in the morning and, if all goes as planned, go home the same day.

After

You get a written plan for activity, driving and work, and follow-up X-rays to check the implant. Recovery is different for everyone, so the plan is yours, not a generic timeline.

Who disc replacement can help.

Arm pain from a pinched nerve

Pain, numbness or tingling running from the neck into the arm or hand, caused by a disc pressing on a nerve. The medical name is cervical radiculopathy.

Pressure on the spinal cord

Trouble with balance, buttons or handwriting from a disc pressing on the cord. The medical name is cervical myelopathy.

One or two levels, healthy joints

The problem is limited to one or two discs, the small joints behind them are in good shape, and conservative care hasn't given lasting relief.

Questions about cervical disc replacement.

What is cervical disc arthroplasty?

Another name for cervical disc replacement. A damaged disc in the neck is removed and replaced with an artificial disc designed to move, so the pressure comes off the nerve or spinal cord while that level keeps its motion.

How is it different from ACDF?

Both go through a small incision at the front of the neck and both remove the damaged disc. ACDF then fuses the two bones so that level stops moving. Disc replacement places an implant designed to keep it moving. Each has its place, and the right choice depends on your anatomy and your imaging.

Am I a candidate?

It's usually considered for arm pain, numbness or weakness, or spinal cord pressure, from a disc at one or two levels, when conservative care hasn't helped. It may not fit if you have significant arthritis in the small joints of the neck, instability, deformity or weak bones. Dr. Vemuri will review your imaging and tell you which option fits.

Is it outpatient surgery?

For appropriately selected patients, it can be. Dr. Vemuri will tell you at your consultation whether you're likely to go home the same day.

What is recovery like?

It varies from person to person, so we don't promise a date. Dr. Vemuri gives you a written plan for activity, driving and returning to work, based on your case.

¿Hablan español?

Sí. Llame al (502) 362-1780, las 24 horas, o visite miispine.com/accidentes.

How long does an artificial disc last?

The implants are designed for long-term use and are followed with X-rays over time. Dr. Vemuri will go over what's known about the specific implant he recommends for you.

Do I need a referral?

No. Call (502) 242-6370 or request an appointment online. Same-week appointments are available.

Does insurance cover disc replacement?

Coverage depends on your plan and the details of your case. Our team checks your benefits before surgery and tells you what to expect. If you're paying cash, we'll give you the price before you book.

This content is for general information and isn't a substitute for a medical evaluation. Every spine is different. Talk to a spine specialist about your specific symptoms.

5,000+

Spine surgeries

4,000+

Office visits per year

1,000+

Outpatient procedures in five years, in surgery centers since 2014

Dr Venu
Vemuri

Dr. Venu Vemuri, D.O. (Dr. V) is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He opened miiSpine in 2021 as an independent alternative to corporate medicine. He has performed more than 5,000 spine surgeries, has done minimally invasive spine surgery in ambulatory surgery centers since 2014, and he does both disc replacement and ACDF, so you get the one that fits.

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Cervical disc replacement

Find out whether disc replacement or ACDF fits your neck.

Treat the disc. Keep the motion.

What disc replacement is.

Disc replacement or ACDF? It depends on your spine.