Patient History

A 49 year-old female presented with severe right shoulder and arm pain and numbness for a period of four months. An MRI of the cervical spine revealed a large herniated disc with cord compression at C3-4. The symptoms progressively worsened with conservative management. Surgery was offered in the form of a C3-4 disc replacement in order to decompress the spinal cord while maintaining the patient’s neck mobility and range of motion.

Treatment Plan

C3-4 total disc arthroplasty

Surgical Technique

  • Performed under general anesthesia
  • Small anterior neck incision in the crease of the skin
  • Complete cervical discectomy and decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots
  • Precise insertion of the artificial disc under x-ray guidance
  • Subcuticular closure of the skin incision

Benefits of Cervical Arthroplasty (Disc Replacement) vs Cervical Fusion (ACDF):

  • Preservation of spinal motion
  • Significant reduction of adjacent level failure
  • No need for cervical collar postoperatively
  • Reduced surgical time
  • Shorter recovery period and return to normal activities

Results

Immediate and complete resolution of right arm pain and numbness. The patient was discharged home less than 24 hours after surgery.

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