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Cervical Total Disc Replacement

Overview

What is Cervical Total Disc Replacement?

Cervical Total Disc Replacement (CTDR), also called cervical arthroplasty, is a modern procedure designed to treat damaged or degenerated discs in the neck. CTDR aims to relieve nerve or spinal cord compression while preserving natural neck motion, making it a key alternative to traditional fusion surgery.

Who is it for?

This procedure is usually considered for adults with persistent neck pain, numbness, or weakness caused by:

  • Cervical disc degeneration or herniation
  • Cervical radiculopathy (pressure on nerve roots)
  • Cervical myelopathy (pressure on the spinal cord)
    who have not responded to conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, or injections. Candidates typically have issues at one or two disc levels and do not have significant arthritis in the facet joints, spinal deformity, or instability.

What the Procedure Involves

  • Performed under general anaesthetic
  • A small incision is made at the front of the neck
  • The surgeon gently moves the soft tissues aside and removes the damaged disc
  • An artificial disc prosthesis is placed between the vertebrae, which is designed to maintain motion at the disc level and relieve compression​
  • The incision is closed and you are observed in recovery
    The artificial disc can be made of different materials (such as titanium, ceramic, or polymer) depending on patient anatomy and surgeon preference.

Risks and Complications

Cervical total disc replacement is generally safe but carries some risks, such as:

  • Infection (2–3%)
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve or spinal cord injury
  • Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
  • Temporary voice changes
  • Prosthesis movement, failure, or wear
  • Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth reducing motion)
  • Dural tear or spinal fluid leak
  • Postoperative pain not relieved​
    Most complications are rare and can be minimised by meticulous surgical technique and appropriate patient selection.

Recovery Expectations and Duration

  • Most people spend 1–2 days in hospital
  • Initial neck discomfort and swallowing difficulty may last days to 2 weeks
  • Mobility improves steadily; most feel noticeably better at 4–6 weeks and can return to light work
  • Full recovery is usually achieved in 3–6 months, with ongoing improvement in neck strength, flexibility, and nerve symptoms​
    You will have scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and disc function. Most patients experience long-lasting relief of pain and improved neck mobility.

FAQs

Will I lose neck movement with this procedure?
No—CTDR preserves movement at the replaced disc level, unlike traditional fusion. Some stiffness may remain, but overall flexibility is maintained and often improved.

How soon will my pain improve?
Most patients notice better neck and arm symptoms within weeks. Ongoing healing and rehabilitation help restore function over several months.