Cervical Arthroplasty
Cervical arthroplasty is a neck surgery that replaces a damaged cervical disc with an artificial disc to help relieve pain, numbness, or weakness caused by nerve compression.
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Spine Surgery
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What Is Cervical Arthroplasty?
Cervical arthroplasty, also called cervical disc replacement, is a procedure that removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc. A disc is the cushion between the bones of the spine. This treatment is used to relieve pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord while helping preserve motion in the neck.
It may be considered for some people with a herniated disc, nerve compression, neck pain that travels into the arm, or weakness, numbness, or tingling that has not improved enough with nonsurgical treatment. A physician will determine whether this treatment is appropriate based on symptoms, imaging, overall spine health and treatment goals.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, care begins with a careful evaluation of your symptoms, imaging and daily function. Your physician will explain your diagnosis in plain language and review both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
When cervical arthroplasty is being considered, the goal is to match the right treatment to the right patient. Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care brings together physicians focused on conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system, with treatment planning centered on safety, mobility, pain relief and long-term function.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cervical arthroplasty is used to treat certain neck disc problems that cause nerve compression or spinal cord pressure. It may help with neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling or weakness when symptoms are tied to a damaged cervical disc.
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Yes. Cervical arthroplasty and cervical disc replacement are two names for the same procedure. Both refer to removing a damaged disc in the neck and replacing it with an artificial disc.
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Some patients may be candidates if they have symptoms caused by a damaged cervical disc and have not improved enough with conservative treatment. Candidacy depends on imaging, spine stability, overall health and whether motion-preserving surgery is appropriate.
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Cervical arthroplasty replaces the disc and is designed to preserve motion at the treated level. Spinal fusion removes the disc and joins the surrounding bones together. The best option depends on your diagnosis, anatomy and physician evaluation.
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Possible risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, swallowing discomfort, hoarseness, ongoing symptoms, implant-related issues and the need for future treatment. Your physician will review the risks that matter most in your case before surgery.
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Recovery is different for every patient. Some people return to light activities sooner than others, but full recovery depends on healing, activity level, work demands and physician guidance. Your care team will explain what to expect for your situation.
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Some patients do. Physical therapy may be recommended to support strength, posture, and safe return to activity. Whether you need therapy depends on your symptoms before surgery, your recovery and your physician’s plan.
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Call your physician if you have worsening pain, fever, drainage from the incision, trouble swallowing that gets worse, new weakness or other symptoms that concern you. Your discharge instructions will explain what needs urgent attention.
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