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Surgical Procedure for the Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc

Surgical procedure for Cervical Artificial DiscThe surgical approach for the Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc is identical to an Anterior Cervical Fusion. The main difference in the procedures is that an artificial cervical disc is placed in the disc space rather than a bone graft and internal fixation.

artificial disc surgeryAn Anterior Cervical Discectomy with the placement of a Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc, is an operation performed on the cervical spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots, or on the spinal cord. The procedure is explained by the words anterior (front), cervical (neck), and discectomy (cutting out the disc).In this operation, the cervical spine is reached through an incision approximately one inch in length in the front of your neck. (See figure 2)

Incision for Prestige Artificial Disc SurgeryWhat does the incision look like?
The scar for an Anterior Cervical Disectomy with Artificial Disc placement is approximately one inch horizontally. The incision is made in a natural skin fold, and meticulously closed for an excellent cosmetic outcome.
To the right is a picture of a scar one year post-op. Click on the image to enlarge it.

placement of the bryan artificial disc
The approach to the anterior neck makes use of a plane between muscles, which is very easy to recover from. The muscles naturally part, giving the surgeon direct access to the spine, while avoiding the spinal cord. After the disc is exposed it is removed. Then the nerve root is decompressed, the offending compressive material is cleaned out, and then the Prestige Artificial Disc is inserted into the disc space
. To view an animation of the Prestige Cervical Disc surgical procedure click here.

What happens after surgery?
The surgery may be done as an outpatient procedure. The hospital stay is generally 24 hours. During this time, IV fluids may be given while your body recovers and your normal appetite returns. You may move about in bed and rest in any comfortable position when you have recovered from anesthesia. Walking may begin within several hours of surgery. Daily walking is the best exercise, setting a pace that avoids fatigue or severe pain. You may return to work when you are ready, and drive after you regain full coordination.

Successful recovery from anterior cervical discectomy and placement of the Prestige Artificial Disc requires that you approach the operation and recovery with confidence based on a thorough understanding of each process. Your surgeon has the specialized training and expertise to correct physical defects by performing the operation; he and the rest of the health care team will support your body's efforts to heal its damaged tissues. Full recovery will also depend on you having a strong, positive attitude, setting small, realistic goals for improvement, and working steadily to accomplish each goal.

Related links:
Prestige Artificial Disc
Cervical Cases performed by Dr. Pashman
Comparison of Artificial Cervical Discs
Prestige Disc FAQ's
Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Anterior Cervical Fusion
Cervical Spine FAQ's
Bryan Artificial Disc
www.NeckPainExplained.com

 



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