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Cervical Disc Arthroplasty · Louisville, KY
Cervical disc replacement in Louisville — treat the disc, keep the motion.
Cervical disc arthroplasty, also called artificial disc replacement, removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an implant designed to move, instead of fusing the bones together. Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO will tell you whether disc replacement, ACDF, or non-surgical care is the better fit for your neck.What Is Disc Replacement?
Relieving nerve pressure while keeping the neck moving.
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. It can also press on the spinal cord and affect balance or hand coordination.
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 motion at that level.
It isn't right for everyone. Dr. Vemuri looks at your symptoms, your exam, and your imaging before recommending disc replacement, ACDF, or care without surgery.
The Procedure — Step by Step
What happens during disc replacement.
1
Small incision at the front of the neckSoft tissues are gently moved aside to reach the front of the cervical spine.
2
Disc removal and decompressionThe damaged disc and any bone spurs pressing on the nerve or spinal cord are removed.
3
Artificial disc placementAn implant sized to your spine is placed in the disc space using X-ray guidance.
4
Closure and recoveryThe incision is closed. For appropriately selected patients, this can be outpatient surgery.
Who May Be a Candidate
Disc replacement is considered when:
✓
Arm pain, numbness, or weaknessCaused by a disc pressing on a nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy)
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Spinal cord pressure from a discSuch as trouble with balance or fine hand movements (cervical myelopathy)
✓
One or two levels involvedThe problem is limited to one or two discs
✓
Conservative care hasn't helpedPhysical therapy, medication, or injections haven't given lasting relief
It may not be the right fit if you have:
Facet joint arthritisSignificant arthritis in the small joints at the back of the neck
Instability or deformityAbnormal movement or alignment between the vertebrae
Weak bonesOsteoporosis or other conditions that affect bone quality
Disc Replacement vs. ACDF
Two good options. The right one depends on you.
ACDF
Learn about ACDF →
Remove the disc, fuse the level.
Small incision at the front of the neck
Bone graft and hardware join the two vertebrae
Motion at that level is stopped
Works for a wide range of problems, including arthritis and instability
Cervical Disc Replacement
Remove the disc, keep the motion.
Small incision at the front of the neck
An artificial disc replaces the damaged one
Designed to keep that level moving
Best suited to specific patients after careful review
Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Founder, miiSpine
Dr. Vemuri performs both cervical disc replacement and ACDF, so his recommendation is based on what fits your spine, not on the one procedure he offers. His fellowship training at Norton Leatherman Spine Center included extensive cervical spine surgery.
Fellowship-Trained, Norton Leatherman Spine Center
Board-Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
5,000+ Spine Surgeries Performed
300+ Five-Star Google Reviews
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about cervical disc replacement.
What is cervical disc arthroplasty?It's surgery that removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc designed to move. It's also called cervical disc replacement. The goal is to take pressure off the nerves or spinal cord while keeping motion at that level.
How is disc replacement different from ACDF?Both are done through a small incision at the front of the neck, and both remove the damaged disc. ACDF then fuses the two vertebrae so that level no longer moves. Disc replacement places an implant designed to keep that level moving. Each has its place, and the right choice depends on your anatomy and your imaging.
Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement?It's usually considered for arm pain, numbness, or weakness, or spinal cord compression, caused by a disc at one or two levels, when conservative care hasn't helped. It may not be a 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 cervical disc replacement 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?Recovery varies from person to person. Dr. Vemuri will give you a specific plan for activity, driving, and returning to work based on your case.
Does insurance cover cervical disc replacement?Coverage depends on your plan and the details of your case. Our team will check your benefits before surgery. Call (502) 242-6370 with questions.
Neck and arm pain holding you back?
Call miiSpine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vemuri and find out whether disc replacement, ACDF, or non-surgical care is right for you.
6420 Dutchmans Pkwy, Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40205 · miispine.com