Cervical Disc Replacement

What the procedure is

Cervical disc replacement removes a degenerated cervical disc and replaces it with an artificial disc implant that preserves motion at the treated segment, as an alternative to fusion in suitable patients.

Why it is performed

It decompresses the affected nerve while preserving natural neck motion, which may reduce stress on adjacent segments compared with fusion.

Who may benefit

• Patients with single or two-level cervical disc disease and preserved disc height and facet joints
• Patients without significant instability or advanced degeneration at the level being treated

When it may not be appropriate

• Patients with significant facet joint arthritis or instability at the level in question
• Multi-level disease beyond what current implants are validated for
• Patients with osteoporosis affecting implant fixation

Alternatives

• ACDF
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy in select cases

How it is performed

Through the same anterior approach used for ACDF, the disc is removed and the nerve decompressed, after which an artificial disc device is implanted to preserve motion at that level.

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia  ·  Typical duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes per level  ·  Typical hospital stay: 1–2 nights

Recovery

Recovery follows a similar early course to ACDF, with motion preserved from early on; a graded return to full activity typically occurs over 6–8 weeks.

Physiotherapy

Early gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing as symptoms allow.

Risks and complications

• Implant-related complications, including device migration in rare cases
• Heterotopic ossification limiting motion over time
• Infection
• Persistent symptoms if patient selection criteria are not well met

Expected follow-up

Wound check at 2 weeks, with clinical review to assess motion and symptom relief over subsequent months.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹4.0 – 8.0 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• Implant selection
• Number of levels
• Hospital tier

Questions to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate for this specific procedure, or would an alternative be better for my case?
• What is your experience with this procedure?
• What does the quoted cost include and exclude?

Frequently asked questions