What it is
Cervical artificial disc replacement (also called cervical arthroplasty) treats the same problems as ACDF — a damaged disc pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord — but instead of fusing the segment, the disc is replaced with a mobile implant that preserves natural motion at that level. Preserving motion may also reduce long-term stress on the discs above and below the treated level.
When it's recommended
- Cervical disc herniation or degeneration causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness that has not improved with conservative care
- Selected patients with early spinal cord compression
- Patients who value preserving neck motion and meet the anatomic criteria — candidacy depends on alignment, bone quality, and the specific pattern of degeneration, which is exactly what the evaluation determines
As with every procedure in this practice, surgery is offered only after conservative options have been genuinely explored — or when the diagnosis clearly calls for it.
How it's performed
The approach is identical to ACDF — a small incision at the front of the neck, removal of the damaged disc, and decompression of the nerves — but the segment is reconstructed with a mobile implant rather than a fusion. Dr. Pompliano has published peer-reviewed research on artificial disc replacement, including a meta-analysis of two-level cervical disc replacement outcomes at five or more years.
Recovery & return to activity
- Typically outpatient or one overnight stay
- Early motion is encouraged — there is no fusion that needs protecting
- Many patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks
- Long-term follow-up monitors implant function and adjacent levels
Recovery details vary by patient and by the specifics of each operation — your individual plan, restrictions, and milestones are set with you before surgery and refined at follow-up.
Related: ACDF (fusion alternative) · Neck Pain · Publications & Research
Already been told you need this procedure? A second opinion is always welcome.