An artificial disc replacement surgery is meant to replace the entire function of the damaged intervertebral disc of the spine with an artificial device. The vast majority of spine surgeons think that artificial disc replacement surgery is better than fusion in healthy patients with enough vertebral body plates because the mobility of the spine is preserved with artificial disc replacement.

• Disc replacement improves function after surgery. Because the disc replacement devices preserves more normal neck motion, patients are able to reclaim a wider range of head and neck movement after surgery. Increased movement means increased day-to-day function and better quality of life.

• Motion preservation reduces stress on the spine. Traditional fusion surgery locks the treated vertebrae in place. The loss of motion can put stress on adjacent vertebrae and cause further degeneration in the future. Because disc replacement surgery maintains motion and prevents increased stress, it may help protect the adjacent vertebrae from additional degeneration over time.

• Minimally invasive surgery offers a faster recovery. After fusion surgery, patients must be immobilized for a period of time while the fused vertebrae heal. Recovery from disc replacement surgery is much faster; patients have returned to work within four days of surgery. Disc replacement surgery also means that patients don’t have to worry about some of the potential complications of fusion surgery.

Ten percent of all artificial disc replacement surgeries are performed on the cervical spine. There are different types of disc replacement implants, such as the following:

-Bryan disc is based on a concept of low friction, resistant to wear and with an elastic core, with properties similar to the natural disc. This device provides a normal range of motion for flexion-extension, axial rotation, lateral flexion, and translational movements.

-The intervention with Prodisc-C is indicated to significantly reduce the pain by allowing the extraction of the discopathy while the disc height is restored and the mobilization of the affected vertebral segment. It has upper and lower prosthetic plates, made of cobalt alloy, chromium and molybdenum. The rough coating of the pure titanium surface favors the apposition of bone tissue in a matter of few months.

-Secure-C is an artificial disc which allows a normal range of motion. However, recent clinical studies have demonstrated the superiority in terms of success, subsequent surgery, and patient´s satisfaction.

-Mobi-C has a unique, reliable and patented implantation system: "Plug & Fit" technology. The mobility of the insert in polyethylene promotes restoration and respects the center of instantaneous rotation for a return to the physiological mobility of the intervertebral disc. Also, it reduces the tensions in the bone-implant interface and the posterior facet joints.