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California Neurosurgical Specialists
What is Cervical Arthroplasty (Disc Replacement)?
Cervical arthroplasty, also known as artificial disc replacement, is a modern surgical alternative to spinal fusion designed to treat nerve compression in the cervical spine. Instead of fusing the vertebrae after removing a damaged disc, a specially engineered artificial disc is implanted to maintain natural movement and alignment in the neck.
This motion-preserving procedure offers long-term relief from symptoms like neck pain, arm numbness, and nerve-related weakness caused by herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and cervical spinal stenosis.
At California Neurosurgical Specialists, Dr. Arnau Benet performs cervical arthroplasty using the latest generation of artificial disc implants and minimally invasive surgical techniques to achieve precise, lasting results.
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Signs You May Need Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc problems can impact daily life, productivity, and well-being. You may benefit from cervical arthroplasty if you are experiencing:
Chronic neck pain that radiates into the arms or shoulders
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
Difficulty turning your head or maintaining posture
Worsening symptoms despite medication or physical therapy
A desire to avoid spinal fusion and preserve natural neck motion
These symptoms are often caused by nerve compression in the cervical spine, which is a condition that cervical arthroplasty is designed to correct while preserving movement.
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Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Cervical Arthroplasty?
You may be a strong candidate for artificial disc replacement if:
Imaging (MRI or CT) confirms a single- or two-level disc herniation or degeneration
You’ve tried non-surgical treatments without sufficient relief
You’re seeking an alternative to spinal fusion that maintains neck mobility
Your symptoms are due to nerve root or spinal cord compression
You're in good general health and have no significant spinal instability
Dr. Benet will perform a detailed evaluation to determine whether cervical arthroplasty in Los Angeles or another treatment is right for you.
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What to Expect During Cervical Arthroplasty
Cervical disc replacement is typically performed as an outpatient or short-stay procedure under general anesthesia. Here’s how it works:
1.
Preoperative Imaging & Planning
Dr. Benet uses high-resolution imaging to determine the affected disc level(s) and choose the best implant.
2.
Anterior Surgical Approach
A small incision is made at the front of the neck to access the spine with minimal disruption.
3.
Disc Removal & Decompression
The damaged disc is carefully removed, and the spinal cord and nerve roots are decompressed.
4.
Artificial Disc Placement
A precision-fit artificial disc is inserted between the vertebrae, restoring spacing and preserving motion.
5.
Recovery
Most patients return home the same day or next morning. Light activity can often resume within days, with full recovery over a few weeks.
Unlike spinal fusion, cervical arthroplasty avoids the need for bone grafts or hardware to restrict motion, allowing for faster recovery and a more natural neck movement.
Frequently asked Questions
FAQs About Cervical Arthroplasty
How long is recovery after disc replacement?
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Most patients return to light activity within one to two weeks, with full recovery typically within four to six weeks.
Will I still be able to move my neck normally?
a.
Yes. One of the key benefits of cervical arthroplasty is preserving natural range of motion in the neck.
Is disc replacement better than spinal fusion?
a.
It depends on the case. For many patients, disc replacement offers faster recovery, reduced adjacent segment wear, and better long-term motion.
Is cervical arthroplasty safe?
a.
Yes. When performed by an experienced neurosurgeon like Dr. Benet, the procedure is safe, effective, and highly reliable.
Where to FIND the Best Cervical Arthroplasty Surgeon in Los Angeles
At California Neurosurgical Specialists, Dr. Arnau Benet, widely known as the best disc replacement surgeon in Los Angeles, provides expert cervical disc replacement surgery using the latest in motion-preserving spinal implants. With advanced training in cranial and spinal neurosurgery and a patient-first philosophy, Dr. Benet delivers exceptional care for those suffering from debilitating neck pain and nerve compression.
Patients from across Los Angeles, Southern California, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and beyond trust Dr. Benet for precise, personalized, and minimally invasive surgical care for disc replacement in Los Angeles. Schedule your consultation today to find out if cervical arthroplasty is right for you.
Renowned Neurosurgeon
Dr. Arnau Benet
Location
Westlake Village, CA
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Hours
Mon - Fri
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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