Cervical Disc Replacement
Motion-Preserving Surgery for Cervical Disc Disease and Nerve Compression.
For select patients with cervical disc problems, cervical disc replacement offers a motion-preserving alternative to fusion. NASPI's board-certified spine surgeons perform this advanced procedure using FDA-approved artificial disc implants, close to home in Northern New Jersey.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Daniel M. Dorri, MD, and Dr. Christopher J. Bilbao, DO, Board-Certified Spine Surgeons
Need a Cervical Disc Replacement?
If you have been diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc or cervical disc degeneration but want to avoid permanent fusion, cervical disc replacement may be the right option. Practice founder Dr. Daniel M. Dorri and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher J. Bilbao perform cervical disc replacement using FDA-approved artificial disc implants at NASPI's New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania locations. For the right candidates, motion-preserving spine surgery can offer excellent outcomes with faster recovery than fusion.
What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Cervical disc replacement, also called cervical total disc arthroplasty, is a motion-preserving alternative to ACDF. Through the same small incision in the front of the neck used for ACDF, your surgeon removes the damaged cervical disc, then replaces it with an FDA-approved artificial disc that mimics the motion and function of a healthy disc.
Unlike fusion, which eliminates motion at the treated level, cervical disc replacement preserves your natural neck movement. The implant is designed to maintain normal range of motion in flexion, extension, side-bending, and rotation. This may also reduce the long-term stress placed on the cervical levels above and below the surgical site, potentially lowering the risk of adjacent segment disease over time.
Modern cervical disc implants include devices like Mobi-C, Prestige LP, Bryan, and M6-C. Each has FDA approval based on multi-year clinical trials demonstrating outcomes equal to or better than ACDF in carefully selected patients. Your surgeon will recommend the right device based on your anatomy, level of disease, and individual factors.
Conditions Treated With Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is effective for patients with cervical disc problems that have not responded to conservative treatment, provided they meet the FDA-approved candidacy criteria. The procedure is best suited for patients with relatively healthy spines apart from the damaged disc.
- $Single-Level Cervical Herniated Disc
- $Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
- $Symptomatic Cervical Disc Degeneration
- $Two-Level Cervical Disc Disease
- $Cervical Foraminal Stenosis (Disc-Related)
- $Cervical Spondylosis with Radiculopathy
If conservative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or epidural steroid injections have not provided lasting relief, cervical disc replacement may be an option. Your surgeon will determine whether you are a candidate for disc replacement or whether ACDF is more appropriate for your specific anatomy and condition.
Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement was developed as a motion-preserving alternative to ACDF. For appropriately selected patients, it offers meaningful advantages over traditional cervical fusion:
Motion Preserved
Natural neck movement maintained at the level.
No Fusion Required
Avoids permanent joining of vertebrae.
Reduced Adjacent Stress
Quicker return to activity than ACDF.
No Bone Graft Needed
Implant placed in a single procedure.
Reduced Adjacent Stress
May protect neighboring spinal levels.
FDA-Approved Devices
Backed by multi-year clinical trial data.
Ready to explore your options?
How Cervical Disc Replacement Works: What to Expect
Cervical disc replacement is performed through the same anterior approach as ACDF, but with motion-preserving technology. Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay, with recovery typically faster than fusion. Here is what to expect from your initial consultation through full recovery.
Before
Before the Procedure
During your initial consultation, your spine surgeon will review your cervical MRI and CT imaging, evaluate your specific anatomy, and determine whether you meet the FDA-approved criteria for cervical disc replacement. Candidacy is based on factors like the level or levels affected, the quality of your facet joints and surrounding bone, your age and overall health, and your specific symptoms.
You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions covering medications to stop, fasting requirements, what to bring on the day of surgery, and what to expect during recovery. Your surgeon will also discuss which artificial disc device is best suited to your anatomy and condition.
During
During the Procedure
Cervical disc replacement is performed under general anesthesia using the same anterior approach as ACDF. Your surgeon makes a 1 to 2 inch horizontal incision in a natural skin crease on the front of the neck, gently moves the muscles, esophagus, and trachea aside, and removes the damaged disc along with any bone spurs compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Once the disc space is fully decompressed, your surgeon precisely sizes and places the artificial disc implant in the cleared space. Unlike ACDF, no bone graft, interbody cage, or anterior plate is required. The implant itself anchors in place with small fixation features built into the device, and the incision is closed.
A single-level cervical disc replacement typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Two-level procedures (FDA-approved for select devices) may take 2 to 3 hours.
After
After the Procedure
Most patients are discharged the same day or after one overnight stay. Light activities and walking are encouraged immediately. Unlike ACDF, a cervical collar is often not required since the implant provides immediate stability and there is no fusion to protect. Mild sore throat or difficulty swallowing for the first few days is common and resolves quickly.
Many patients return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks. Recovery is typically faster than after ACDF because there is no fusion process to wait for. Dr. Dorri, Dr. Bilbao, and their team will provide personalized recovery instructions and recommend physical therapy when appropriate, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.
Studies have shown that patients with cervical disc replacement often regain near-normal range of motion at the operated level, and long-term outcomes are equal to or better than ACDF in carefully selected patients.
Are You a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if:
- NSingle or two-level cervical disc disease on MRI
- NCervical herniated disc or symptomatic degeneration
- NYounger or middle-aged with healthy bone quality
- NHealthy facet joints at the affected level
- NSymptoms unresponsive to conservative treatment
- NActive lifestyle and desire to preserve neck motion
May not be ideal if:
- Significant facet joint arthritis at the affected level
- Severe spinal instability or deformity
- Osteoporosis or poor bone quality
- Three or more cervical levels with disease
- Prior cervical fusion adjacent to the planned level
Every patient is different. During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation and always recommend the safest, most effective treatment plan for your specific condition, whether that is cervical disc replacement, ACDF, or continued conservative care.
Risks & What You Should Know
Cervical disc replacement has an excellent safety record and is supported by years of FDA clinical trial data. Like any surgery, however, it does carry potential risks, including:
- Hoarseness or voice changes (usually temporary)
- Difficulty swallowing (usually temporary)
- Heterotopic ossification (bone growth that may limit motion over time)
- Implant migration or settling (rare)
- Implant wear over time (modern devices designed for long durability)
- Need for revision surgery in rare cases
- Infection at the surgical site
- Nerve or spinal cord injury (rare)
- Standard surgical risks (anesthesia, blood clots)
At NASPI, careful patient selection per FDA candidacy criteria, refined anterior surgical technique, and experience with multiple artificial disc devices all work to minimize these risks and give every patient the best possible outcome.
Ready to explore your options?
Your Spine Surgery Team
Daniel M. Dorri, MD, FABPMR
Practice Founder & Spine Surgeon
Dr. Dorri founded NASPI to provide comprehensive spine care from diagnosis through surgical treatment, all under one roof. His extensive experience means your care is guided by a surgeon who has evaluated your condition from day one.
Christopher J. Bilbao, DO,
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Dr. Bilbao is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with specialized expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures.
Why Choose NASPI for Spine Surgery?
Experienced Surgeons
Advanced motion-preserving cervical surgery training
Complete Care
Diagnosis through recovery, one roof
Cutting-edge Tech
Latest instruments and imaging
Patient-centered
Clear communication, every step
Cervical Disc Replacement FAQs
What is the difference between cervical disc replacement and ACDF?
Both procedures use the same anterior approach to address cervical disc problems, but they differ in what is done after the damaged disc is removed. ACDF places a bone graft and titanium plate to permanently fuse the vertebrae, eliminating motion at that level. Cervical disc replacement places an FDA-approved artificial disc that preserves natural motion. ACDF has decades of outcomes data and applies to a wider range of patients, while disc replacement is appropriate for select candidates who meet specific criteria.
How long does cervical disc replacement take?
A single-level cervical disc replacement typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Two-level procedures (FDA-approved for select devices) may take 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of your specific condition.
What is the recovery time after cervical disc replacement?
Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay. Light activities resume immediately. Many patients return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks. Because there is no fusion process to wait for, recovery is typically faster than ACDF. Heavy lifting and contact activities are restricted for several weeks based on your surgeon's guidance.
How long will the artificial disc last?
Modern cervical disc implants are designed for long-term durability and are tested in laboratory conditions to last well over 40 years of normal use. Long-term clinical follow-up (10 or more years) has shown excellent durability with low revision rates. However, like any implant, very long-term outcomes are still being studied.
Will I need a neck brace after surgery?
Unlike ACDF, a cervical collar is often not required after cervical disc replacement because the implant provides immediate stability and there is no fusion to protect. Some surgeons may recommend a soft collar for comfort during the first few days. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and recovery.
Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement or do I need ACDF?
Cervical disc replacement has specific FDA-approved candidacy criteria. Ideal candidates typically have single or two-level disease, healthy facet joints, good bone quality, and an active lifestyle. Patients with significant facet arthritis, instability, osteoporosis, or three or more diseased levels are usually better served by ACDF. Your surgeon will evaluate your imaging and overall health to determine which procedure is right for you.
What artificial disc devices does NASPI use?
NASPI surgeons are experienced with multiple FDA-approved cervical disc implants including Mobi-C, Prestige LP, Bryan, and M6-C. Each device has different design features and FDA approvals (single-level versus two-level). Your surgeon will recommend the device best suited to your anatomy and condition based on your imaging and intraoperative findings.
Will I need physical therapy after cervical disc replacement?
Many patients benefit from a structured physical therapy program starting around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. PT helps restore neck mobility, rebuild muscle strength, and protect the implant. Because motion is preserved at the operated level, range of motion exercises are typically incorporated earlier than with ACDF. Your surgeon will provide personalized PT recommendations.
Is cervical disc replacement covered by insurance?
Yes, cervical disc replacement is covered by most major insurance plans when medically necessary and FDA candidacy criteria are met. Pre-authorization is typically required and may involve documentation of failed conservative care and specific clinical criteria. Our team will work with you to verify benefits and obtain pre-authorization before scheduling. Contact us with any insurance questions.
Where can I get cervical disc replacement in Northern New Jersey?
NASPI offers cervical disc replacement at our Northern New Jersey locations, including Paramus, Clifton, Bayonne, North Bergen, Newark, and Secaucus. Contact us or call (844) 666-2774 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dorri or Dr. Bilbao.
Related Spine Surgery Procedures
Lumbar Microdiscectomy →
Minimally invasive option for disc herniations not suited to the endoscopic approach.
ACDF →
Standard surgical treatment for cervical herniated discs causing neck and arm pain.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion →
For spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, or recurrent herniations requiring stabilization.
Lumbar Disc Replacement →
Motion-preserving alternative to lumbar fusion for select patients with disc disease.
What Our Spine Surgery Patients Are Saying
I found Dr. Dorri to be very detailed and complete in my surgical and follow up appointments.
He always asked how I felt and my concerns very detailed in listening to my concerns and always took time to listen to me.
I've completed my care plan with Dr. Dorri and I'm pleased with the my care and results.
Thank You Dr. Dorri
N. Hairston
I’m truly happy with the results of my surgery. My knee feels so much better, my mobility has improved, and I’m able to do things again that had become difficult before. The improvement has made a real difference in my everyday life.
What I appreciated most was not only Dr. Boiardo’s skill as a surgeon, but also the kindness and personal attention I received throughout the process. I felt that I was in very capable hands every step of the way.
I would highly recommend Dr. Boiardo to anyone needing an orthopedic surgeon. I’m very thankful for the excellent care I received and for such a positive outcome.
Insurance & Locations
NASPI accepts out-of-network benefits from most major insurance plans including Horizon BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, and more.
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We also work with workers' compensation and personal injury/no-fault cases.
*We are unable to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or OMNIA plans at this time.