When seen through the lens of mechanical engineering, the natural cervical intervertebral disc is a marvel. It can withstand a lot of pressure while still allowing for a lot of movement in the neck.
They are creating an artificial disc that performs like a real one is challenging. A bad cervical disc can cause long-term pain in the neck and other problems, like arm pain or paralysis. Prosthetic cervical discs have been made and are now available as an alternative to surgery for treating problems with cervical discs.
Before agreeing to have cervical total disc replacement surgery, you should know what it aims to do. The primary aims of cervical ADR are to:
· Releasing pressure on nerves is a top priority.
Chronic neck discomfort, tingling, numbness, and weakness that travels down the arm can be caused by a herniated or degenerating and collapsing disc that leaves less space for the nerve roots (and occasionally the spinal cord) to do their jobs. The damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial one, giving the nerves more room, which they didn’t have before. Relieving pressure on the spinal cord may stop or stop the start of new symptoms like coordination, walking, and control of the bladder and bowels.
· Spinal mobility at the level of repair must be preserved.
By implanting a prosthetic disc in place of the injured one, normal biomechanics during neck movement is preserved to a greater extent. An artificial disc can help keep motion but can’t make or improve motion. After a disc is replaced, the cervical spine’s range of motion will not likely improve.
If your symptoms improve after cervical total disc replacement surgery, you can thank the removal of nerve roots and inflammation caused by spinal cord compression. Those whose pain is localised in the neck are not good candidates for cervical total disc replacement surgery.
CERVICAL ANTI-DOPING RULE CONTRAINDICATIONS
You’ve had neck, back surgery, or any orthopaedic surgery before. Successful cervical ADR may be compromised by underlying instability caused by prior neck surgery. Clinical success rates for cervical ADR are equivalent to or higher than those for ACDF, according to several randomised controlled trials spanning 2–10 years. Currently, there isn’t enough evidence to say whether or not cervical ADR works over the long term, such as 15 or 20 years. This creates an unknown risk that must be considered when deciding whether to have surgery. Recent research confirms that the symptom improvement seen within the first few months post-cervical ADR can remain for a significant time.
Cervical anti-doping rule contraindications
For individuals with any of the following conditions, cervical ADR is not recommended:
· Severe deterioration of the spine. If you also have an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament or degenerating facet joints from osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, getting a new disc won’t help your pain. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has only authorised prosthetic cervical discs for use at two spinal levels that are contiguous to one another; three spinal levels are still experimental.
· Bone degeneration. An artificial disc is less likely to remain in place after surgery if the bones are weak, as might happen with osteoporosis or a bone infection.
· You’ve had neck or back surgery before. Successful cervical ADR may be compromised by underlying instability caused by prior neck surgery.
· You’ve had neck, back surgery, or any orthopaedic surgery before. Successful cervical ADR may be compromised by underlying instability caused by prior neck surgery.
