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Cervical Disc Replacement in Orange County, CA (Mission Viejo)

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure used to treat degenerative disc disease affecting the cervical spine, or neck. It involves replacing an injured or diseased intervertebral disc with an artificial one to restore normal spinal alignment and function. This procedure is also known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or total disc replacement.

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Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement in Orange County

Cervical disc replacement offers a modern, motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion for individuals suffering from degenerative disc issues in the neck. Patients in Orange County who choose this procedure with a skilled surgeon like Dr. Taghva often experience relief from pain and a quicker return to normal activities. Key Benefits Include:

Pain Relief

Replacing the damaged disc helps reduce pressure on nearby nerves, alleviating neck, arm, and back pain.

Restoration of Motion

Unlike fusion, disc replacement preserves natural movement at the treated spinal level.

Improved Function

The procedure restores proper disc height and alignment, enhancing overall spinal stability and function.

Long-Term Solution

Many patients enjoy sustained relief and a better quality of life following surgery.

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What is Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure designed to treat damaged or degenerated discs in the cervical spine—the neck region. Instead of removing a problematic disc and fusing the vertebrae together, this technique involves replacing the disc with an artificial one that mimics the function of a healthy disc.

The artificial disc helps maintain the natural movement between vertebrae, preserving range of motion and reducing the stress placed on adjacent discs. This is a key advantage over traditional spinal fusion, which can limit motion and sometimes lead to additional wear on neighboring levels.

Performed through a small incision in the front of the neck, cervical disc replacement is a minimally invasive procedure with a typically short recovery time and long-lasting results for appropriate candidates.

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CDR procedure is highly effective for degenerative disc disease — Artificial Disc for Treatment the Degenerative Disc Disease Arthritis osteoarthritis spondylosis ankylosing spondylitis slipped

Types of Cervical Disc Replacement Procedures

Cervical disc replacement can involve different types of artificial discs, each designed to meet specific patient needs and preferences. These devices vary in their construction, materials, and the degree of motion they allow, all while aiming to replicate the function of a healthy cervical disc.

Commonly used cervical disc replacement devices include ProDisc-C, Mobi-C, Prestige LP, Secure-C, and Bryan, each offering unique features tailored to different anatomical and clinical needs.

Types of Cervical Disc Replacement Devices:

Constrained Discs

These provide limited movement, prioritizing stability. They are best suited for patients who require strong support but do not need full motion at the treated level.

Semi-Constrained Discs

These strike a balance between stability and motion. They allow for controlled flexibility while still providing the necessary support to the cervical spine.

Unconstrained Discs

Designed to closely mimic the natural movement of a healthy disc, these devices offer the most mobility. While they provide less built-in stability, they are ideal for patients looking to maintain as much range of motion as possible.

Doctors McFarland, Sieglen, Massoudi, and Madara,
I am writing this letter today to thank each of you individually and your organizations for allowing me the opportunity to have met a man of such as Alexander Taghva MD. I am the son of poor Scottish immigrants, an Ex Army Paratrooper, Ex Police Officer, and currently Vice President of a successful Finance organization and I have never asked any man in my 55 years on this earth for anything, not ever. It was in my time of need, at my most vulnerable that Alexander Taghva MD, reached out to me, and I asked him with tears in my eyes, “Doctor,…

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Spine Conditions Treated with Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

CDR is a highly effective treatment option for a variety of cervical disc diseases and spine problems affecting the cervical area. These conditions often involve degeneration or damage to the intervertebral discs that can lead to pain, limited mobility, and nerve compression.

Conditions commonly treated with cervical disc replacement include:

Degenerative disc disease

Herniated cervical discs

Cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression)

Cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the spine)

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

Discogenic neck pain

In addition to addressing these conditions, cervical disc replacement is especially beneficial for patients who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections. Good candidates for cervical disc replacement generally include adults with one or two levels of disc damage in the cervical spine, patients with healthy bone structure and no severe arthritis or deformity, individuals without significant instability in the neck or spinal cord compression requiring fusion, and those seeking an alternative to spinal fusion that maintains natural motion.

Cervical Disc Replacement procedure — Healthy cervical discs are essential to spinal stability. The discs may flatten with time and use, causing the bones in the spine to move closer together.

As always, a thorough evaluation with a spine specialist like Dr. Taghva is essential to determine if cervical disc replacement is the right approach based on your specific diagnosis, anatomy, and treatment goals.

Insertion of artificial disc (diagram) — Insertion of artificial disc. Disc Replacement Artificial Disc. Arthroplasty

Cervical Disc Replacement Recovery

Recovery from cervical disc replacement is typically faster and smoother than traditional spinal fusion. Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay and begin light activity within a few days.

During the initial weeks, it’s important to avoid heavy lifting, high-impact movements, or activities that put strain on the neck. Many patients start physical therapy soon after surgery to restore strength and range of motion.

Full recovery can take a few months, but most people return to work and regular daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Taghva will provide a personalized recovery plan, including post-operative care and follow-up appointments, to ensure optimal healing and long-term results.

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Potential Risks and Complications of Cervical Disc Replacement

While cervical disc replacement is generally a safe and effective procedure, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. The good news is that when performed by a highly trained and experienced spine surgeon like Dr. Taghva, these risks are significantly minimized.

Possible risks and complications may include:

Infection at the surgical site

Bleeding or hematoma formation

Nerve damage or spinal cord injury

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) in the short term

Hoarseness or vocal cord irritation

Movement or loosening of the artificial disc

Allergic reaction to implant materials

Dr. Taghva uses advanced techniques and personalized planning to reduce these risks and ensure patient safety at every stage. A thorough consultation and evaluation process helps identify and address any potential concerns before surgery.

Cervical Disc Disease needs physical therapy and constant medical attention (radiography to reflect this) — Lateral projection x-ray of cervical spine showing spondylosis causing cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy. The patient need decompression and fusion surgery. ACDF. Neck pain.

Dr. Alexander Taghva, MD, FAANS — Dr. Alexander Taghva – Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Why Choose Dr. Alexander Taghva

Dr. Alexander Taghva is a leading board-certified neurosurgeon, specializing in brain surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, as well as spine disorders. Also, he is the only spine surgeon in Orange County and southern California who offers endoscopic laminotomy surgery. Dr. Taghva:

Graduated from John Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of California
Completed a prestigious fellowship at The Ohio State University in Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery
Specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, spinal stenosis, artificial disc replacement, spinal disorders, spinal surgery revision, and other spinal conditions.
Specializes in brain surgery to treat trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumors, pituitary tumors, and Parkinson’s disease.
A highly-respected neurosurgeon with many years of experience, including treating chronic pain via stimulation of the spinal cord and brain
Actively involved in medical research and the lead investigator for clinical trials on spinal cord stimulation

FAQs about Cervical Disc Replacement

Which is better, cervical fusion or disc replacement?

For many patients, cervical disc replacement is considered a better option than cervical fusion, especially when preserving spinal mobility is a priority. Disc replacement maintains motion at the treated level and is associated with faster recovery times and a lower risk of adjacent segment degeneration over the long term.
However, both procedures can effectively relieve pain and improve function. The best choice depends on your specific condition, spinal anatomy, and long-term goals. Dr. Taghva will help you determine the most appropriate treatment based on a comprehensive evaluation.

How many cervical discs can be replaced?

In most cases, one or two cervical discs can be safely replaced, and these are the levels approved by the FDA for artificial disc replacement. These procedures are well-studied and have consistently shown strong outcomes in terms of pain relief, function, and motion preservation.
While there are experienced surgeons who have successfully performed three- or even four-level replacements, these cases are less common and require careful consideration. Dr. Taghva will assess your spinal condition, bone health, and treatment goals to determine how many levels can be safely and effectively treated in your specific case.

How long does a cervical disc replacement last?

Cervical disc replacements are designed to be long-lasting solutions. Clinical studies show that most artificial discs continue functioning effectively for at least 10 years, with many patients experiencing relief for much longer.
While the exact lifespan can vary, some estimates suggest that well-placed artificial discs could last 40 to 100 years. In many cases, patients find that a single disc replacement continues to perform well for the rest of their lives. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Taghva helps ensure optimal placement and long-term success.

How to sleep after cervical disc replacement?

After an artificial disc replacement surgery, sleeping on your back is generally recommended, especially during the early stages of recovery. Using a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck can help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on the surgical site.
As healing progresses, many patients can comfortably transition to side sleeping with the help of a supportive pillow between the neck and shoulder. However, sleeping on your stomach should be avoided, as it can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and interfere with healing.

What cervical disc replacement office is near me?

If you live near Mission Viejo, CA, Dr. Taghva offers Cervical Disc Replacement surgery among its services, and is conveniently located at 26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 541, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.