Artificial Cervical Disc Definition
An artificial cervical disc is a technological device that is designed to replace a natural disc in the cervical spine (the neck) that has degenerated and become the source of persistent pain that has not responded well to non-surgical care. While differing in design and materials used, artificial cervical discs mimic the natural structure and function of a degenerated cervical disc and aim to preserve motion that is lost in the spine following a spinal fusion surgery.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three artificial cervical discs for surgical treatment of symptomatic degenerative disc disease: the Prestige® Cervical Disc, the ProDisc™-C and the Bryan® Cervical Disc System. A variety of other cervical artificial discs are under investigation in the United States and internationally, with more launches expected soon.
- Cervical Spine Anatomy and Neck Pain
- Artificial Disc for Cervical Disc Replacement
- Artificial Disc Replacement or Spinal Fusion: Which is Better for You?