Chesterfield S.P.I.N.E Center,
Clarkson Executive Building,
16216 Baxter Road, Suite 110,
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Chesterfield S.P.I.N.E Center,
Clarkson Executive Building,
16216 Baxter Road, Suite 110,
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Cervical spine surgery has traditionally focused on stabilizing the neck by fusing affected vertebrae to eliminate pain and prevent further damage. While effective in many cases, spinal fusion limits mobility, may increase stress on adjacent discs, and often results in long-term biomechanical changes. In recent years, motion preservation techniques—particularly cervical disc replacement (CDR)—have emerged as viable, evidence-based alternatives for select patients.
At SPINE Center, Chesterfield, our commitment to personalized, advanced care includes offering motion-preserving surgical options for appropriate cases. This blog explores the benefits of cervical disc replacement, who qualifies, and why preserving motion may be the future of cervical spine surgery.
Motion preservation refers to surgical techniques that maintain natural movement of the cervical spine, rather than immobilizing it. The most common motion-preserving procedure is cervical total disc replacement (TDR or CDR), which involves replacing a damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one that mimics the function of a healthy disc.
In contrast to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)—the traditional gold standard—CDR restores disc height, relieves nerve compression, and maintains motion at the operated level.
The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven vertebrae that support the head and allow a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending. Preserving movement in this area is essential for:
When a segment is fused, the motion it once provided is redistributed to other levels, potentially accelerating adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). Motion-preserving surgery aims to reduce this risk while maintaining natural biomechanics.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that cervical disc replacement offers equal or superior outcomes to fusion in appropriately selected patients. Some of the documented benefits include:
Patients retain near-normal motion at the operated level, which helps maintain long-term function and comfort.
By preserving motion, CDR reduces stress on adjacent spinal levels, lowering the chance of future degeneration or additional surgeries.
CDR is often associated with shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities compared to fusion procedures.
Several long-term studies have shown lower rates of secondary surgery at adjacent levels with disc replacement compared to fusion.
Unlike fusion, CDR does not require bone grafts or long-term immobilization with plates or screws, which simplifies recovery.
Not all patients are candidates for cervical disc replacement. Ideal candidates typically include those with:
At SPINE Center, Chesterfield, our spine surgeons perform a detailed evaluation using advanced imaging, neurological exams, and functional assessments to determine candidacy for motion preservation techniques.
Cervical disc replacement is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach). Steps typically include:
Disc removal: The damaged disc is removed to decompress spinal nerves.
Implant placement: A motion-preserving artificial disc, often made of metal and polymer, is inserted into the disc space.
Closure: The incision is closed, and the patient is usually mobilized the same day or next.
Most patients are discharged within 24 hours and begin a tailored rehabilitation plan to restore strength and mobility.
At SPINE Center, Chesterfield, our spine surgeons are fellowship-trained in both traditional and advanced motion-preserving techniques. We are committed to:
Evidence-based surgical decision-making
Minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery
Patient education and shared treatment planning
Long-term spine wellness and mobility preservation
Whether you're a candidate for disc replacement or another approach, our goal is to provide personalized care that aligns with your lifestyle, functional goals, and long-term health.
Cervical motion preservation represents a paradigm shift in spine care—offering long-term benefits without sacrificing neck mobility. For appropriately selected patients, cervical disc replacement provides durable relief from pain and neurological symptoms while preserving spinal biomechanics.
If you're exploring treatment options for neck pain, herniated discs, or cervical radiculopathy, schedule a consultation at SPINE Center, Chesterfield. Our specialists will help determine whether motion-preserving spine surgery is right for you.
Call Us: [6184177463]
Visit: [https://www.onlinespinecare.com/]
Is cervical disc replacement FDA-approved?
Yes. Several FDA-approved artificial disc implants are in use today, supported by extensive clinical data.
Is disc replacement more expensive than fusion?
In many cases, overall healthcare costs are lower due to faster recovery, reduced reoperations, and shorter hospital stays.
Can disc replacement be done at multiple levels?
Yes, two-level disc replacement is approved and widely used, depending on anatomy and disease extent.
Is Cervical Fusion Right for You? Understanding Your Options
What to Expect After Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Rehabilitation After Motion Preservation Surgery
