Disc Replacement.
For the right patient, an artificial disc can relieve nerve compression while preserving motion at the treated level. It is a motion-sparing alternative to fusion.
What it is
Disc replacement, or arthroplasty, removes the worn disc and the structures pressing on the nerve. It then restores the disc space with an implant designed to move, rather than locking the segment with a fusion. The goal is to relieve nerve compression while keeping more of the spine's natural motion.
Who it helps
I most often use cervical disc replacement for selected patients with one- or two-level disc disease. These are patients who need the nerve decompressed but aren't the best biomechanical fit for a fusion. Whether it's right for you depends on your anatomy, alignment, and symptoms, which is exactly what a careful evaluation is for.