Details.
A surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or degenerate cervical intervertebral disc with an artificial disc implant designed to preserve normal motion at the treated level. The damaged disc is removed through an anterior neck incision to decompress the nerve roots and spinal cord, then an artificial disc prosthesis is inserted. Particularly suited to younger, active patients with single-level disc herniation causing radiculopathy or myelopathy. MRI confirms the level and suitability, and CT or CT SPECT bone scan may assess bone quality and facet joint degeneration. Performed under general anaesthesia, with a hospital stay of one to three days. Recovery includes walking from the day of surgery, a maximum 5 kilogram lifting limit for four weeks, and follow-up imaging at twelve weeks.