Cervical artificial disk replacement (CADR) is a surgical procedure used to treat cervical disc disease, which causes neck pain and other symptoms. This procedure is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in treating cervical disc disease and providing relief to patients. If you are considering this procedure, there are important facts you should know about it.
First, CADR is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged cervical disk with an artificial disk. This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery time is typically faster than with traditional open-neck surgery.
Second, CADR is not suitable for everyone. Candidates for this procedure must have single-level cervical disc disease, no significant facet joint arthritis, and no spinal deformity. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is necessary to determine if CADR is the right treatment option for you.
Third, the success rate of CADR is high. Studies have shown that CADR provides significant pain relief and improves neck function in patients with cervical disc disease. In addition, the artificial disk has been shown to maintain motion in the treated segment of the spine, which can reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease.
Fourth, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with CADR. These risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications with the artificial disk. However, the risks are relatively low and can be minimized with proper surgical technique and patient selection.
In conclusion, if you are suffering from cervical disc disease, cervical artificial disk replacement may be a viable treatment option for you. However, it is important to consult with a spine specialist to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. With proper patient selection and surgical technique, CADR can provide significant pain relief and improve neck function, while minimizing the risks associated with traditional open-neck surgery. For more information, please visit spine.md.