Damage to a spinal disc often results in pain, weakness, numbness, and other symptoms. When the area of injury is the neck or cervical spine, these symptoms may affect the fingers, hands, and arms. The cervical spine is quite a delicate area. It includes 7 vertebral segments and multiple discs, each situated between two vertebrae. In the center of these spinal segments in the spinal cord, the thick bundle of nerves that delivers messages from the brain to the body.
Studies indicate that the spinal segments that are most susceptible to injury include C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7. Damage at any one of these levels can occur for a number of reasons. Degeneration could lead to a herniated disc or, if severe, bone spurs. Each of these conditions may compress on certain nerve roots and cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Cervical disc arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that can relieve this compression and the symptoms it causes.
What is Cervical Disc Arthroscopy?
Cervical disc arthroscopy is the clinical term for cervical disc replacement. This procedure is performed through a 1- to 2-inch incision at the front of the neck. This limited incision makes the arthroscopy a minimally-invasive surgery. Through the tiny nick in the skin, small instruments are used to expose the affected vertebral segment and remove the damaged disc. The disc space that has been compromised is elevated to normal height and an artificial disc is then inserted into the space to hold sufficient room for nerve roots to pass through.
Risks and Expected Outcomes of Cervical Disc Arthroscopy
Evidence has shown that more than 95 percent of patients who undergo cervical disc arthroscopy maintain optimal results up to and beyond their 4- to 5-year follow-up. Less than 5 percent of patients need additional surgical intervention after having a damaged disc replaced.
While there are benefits to cervical disc arthroscopy, patients should know that this procedure is not likely to improve their range of motion. While comfort may improve, range of motion usually remains as it is at the time of surgery.