Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery In India
The indications for a cervical disc replacement are generally the same as for a cervical discectomy and fusion. A person must have a symptomatic cervical disc, which may be causing arm pain, arm weakness or numbness with some degree of neck pain. These symptoms may due to a herniated disc and/or osteophytes compressing adjacent nerves or the spinal cord. This condition typically occurs at cervical spine levels C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7.
Prior to being admitted into a clinical trial, the candidate must usually meet strict defined entrance criteria, which at least include : –
- Undergo a trial of non-operative treatment for at least 4 to 6 weeks, usually consisting of anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapies
- Have had no prior neck surgery
- Must be deemed a good surgical candidate
Potential Risks and Complications
he potential complications with an artificial device are at least similar to an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and may include : –
- Infection
- Blood loss
- Nerve injury or paralysis
- Need for further surgery
Although these complications can be severe, they are very rare occurrences.
In addition, the artificial disc does theoretically have some of the same potential complications associated with total hip and knee arthroplasty. An arthroplasty is a mechanical device and by the laws of physics will wear out over long periods of time. That time period remains to be defined for total disc replacement. In addition, small particle debris may react with the body. Laboratory and animal studies for some of the devices have shown that after simulating ten years of wear, only minimal disc wear occurs and the materials appear to be well tolerated over time.
Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement in India
- Artificial disc surgery has lesser chances of requiring a revision surgery, compared to spinal fusion surgery
- Normal neck motion can be maintained
- Unlike the spinal fusion surgery the adjacent spinal discs in case of cervical disc replacement don’t have to bear the extra stress .
- Eliminates the need for a painful bone graft
- Recovery time is quicker compared to the fusion surgery.
- Lesser number of patients need a hard collar following the cervical Disc Replacement surgery
