Tech for Your Health
Medical technology is constantly evolving to better treat today’s health and wellness concerns. From state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to minimally invasive robotic surgery, read on to learn more about the latest technological advancements in healthcare.
The development of artificial cervical discs has revolutionized the treatment of neck pain.
Cervical discs are important structures located between the bones of the neck. When healthy, discs act as flexible cushions that absorb compression and allow the neck to bend and rotate. However, use and damage can cause a disc to wear and lose its effectiveness. When this occurs, the nerves in the neck can become compressed and lead to neck or arm pain and numbness or weakness in the arm.
Advanced technology has successfully replicated the complex function of cervical discs and provided a new surgical solution: artificial cervical disc replacement. These artificial discs consist of metal plates with a mobile core that moves like a natural disc and mimics its cushioning effect.
How Does It Work?
During surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision in the neck, remove the worn cervical disc, and replace it with an artificial one. This procedure typically takes one to three hours and can be performed in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
The Benefits of Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement
Preserved range of motion. Previously, the only surgical option available to treat a degenerative disc was spinal fusion, where the bones are fused together, stopping all motion. The advanced design of artificial discs allows patients to maintain normal neck movement.
Reduced stress. Spinal fusion can cause accelerated wear of the discs above and below the fusion, called adjacent segment disease. Artificial cervical disc replacement lowers the risk of this occurring as it places less stress on adjacent discs.
Lasting relief. Artificial cervical discs are durable and long-lasting. By relieving pressure on the compressed nerves, this procedure can provide relief for years to come.
