Cervical artificial disc replacement (cervical arthroplasty) removes a damaged neck disc that is compressing a nerve or the spinal cord — exactly as in a standard anterior discectomy — but replaces it with a mobile artificial disc instead of fusing the level. Movement is preserved, and the stress that a fusion transfers to neighbouring discs is reduced. Dr. Arun Reddy M performs cervical disc replacement including multi-level procedures such as three-level C3–C6 reconstructions, with patients describing their outcomes in detailed five-star Google reviews.
How disc replacement differs from fusion
Both operations decompress the nerve and cord through the same small anterior approach. The difference is what fills the disc space: a fusion cage locks the level permanently, while an artificial disc restores height and keeps the segment moving. Preserved motion means neighbouring discs are not forced to compensate — the mechanism behind adjacent-segment degeneration seen years after some fusions.
Who is a good candidate
The ideal candidate has one or more soft disc herniations with arm pain or early cord compression, preserved neck alignment, healthy facet joints and reasonable bone quality — typically younger and middle-aged patients. Severe facet arthritis, marked instability, significant deformity or very poor bone quality favour fusion instead. Candidacy is decided on MRI, X-rays and examination, never on preference alone.
Multi-level disc replacement
When disease spans multiple levels, replacing two or three discs — for example C3–C4, C4–C5 and C5–C6 — preserves far more total neck motion than a long fusion would. Multi-level arthroplasty is technically demanding: implant sizing, endplate preparation and alignment must be precise at every level. Dr. Reddy performs these multi-level procedures with the same microsurgical decompression standards as single-level surgery.
The procedure and recovery
Surgery is performed through a small crease incision at the front of the neck under the operating microscope. The damaged disc and compressing spurs are removed, the nerve and cord are freed, and the artificial disc is implanted under X-ray guidance. Hospital stay is typically one to two days; most patients notice early relief of arm pain, resume desk work within two weeks, and — unlike fusion — begin gentle neck movement early, because motion is the goal, not the enemy.
Results and long-term outlook
International trial data show arthroplasty performs at least as well as fusion for the right candidates, with preserved motion and lower reoperation rates at adjacent levels over long follow-up. Implants are designed for decades of use. Annual review with X-rays confirms implant position and neck alignment. To assess your suitability, bring your MRI to CARE Hospitals, HITEC City (Gachibowli), or send it through this website — +91 88860 38800.