spinal health and treatment options
RSS Feed Dr. Brett TaylorSt. Louis, MO The primary risks for patients undergoing cervical disc replacement are similar to those experienced by patients undergoing cervical fusion. The most common risk is dysphagia, or difficulty with swallowing and/or dysphonia, which is difficulty with vocal performance. Most patients who suffer from dysphagia or dysphonia improve with time. This risk is thought to be due to manipulation of the anterior neck structures. The tension placed on these structures causes difficulty with the voice and swallowing most commonly in a transient fashion. |
 Dr. Vincent TraynelisIowa City, IA Most of the risks are the same as those associated with a fusion, the treatment that has been a mainstay for decades. These include swallowing difficulties, infection and migration of the implant. A specific risk of the PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc is that in a very small number of patients the treated level may go on to fuse with time. It should be noted that complications are infrequent for both cervical fusion and cervical arthroplasty procedures. |
 Dr. Rick SassoIndianapolis, IN Basically, the same risks as those involved with an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). |
 Dr. Paul BroadstoneChattanooga, TN The risks associated with the surgery are the same as any other spinal surgery performed through the front of the neck. An additional risk would be displacement of the device from the disk space, resulting in pressure on the airway anteriorly or the spinal cord posteriorly. Long-term, wear of the device may result in failure and necessitate the need for further surgery similar to total joint replacements elsewhere in the body. |
 Dr. Todd LanmanLos Angeles, CA As with any surgery there is always a potential risk, a risk of the artificial disc would be that it didn't adhere to the bone. However in the clinical trials that have been performed, none of these discs have loosened or failed. |
 Dr. Michael NeuwirthNew York, NY The potential risks are the same as the risks of anterior cervical fusion; specifically, infection and injury to the interior structures of the neck in doing the approach, including recurrent laryngeal nerve. Unlike anterior cervical fusion, there is no risk of failure of fusion, but distinct from cervical fusion there is a risk of the prosthesis dislodging or moving, possibly necessitating revision. Because motion is maintained at the segment, there is the risk of developing symptoms on the opposite side as a result of continued motion and irritation. |
 Dr. Praveen MummaneniSan Francisco, CA The US IDE study shows the risks are similar to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. |
 Dr. Todd BonvalletChattanooga, TN There are potential risks for patients who receive the cervical disc; however, these risks are absolutely no different than those patients requiring an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The only other potential risk is that this does not alleviate the pain and, if so, could result in converting this to a fusion. |
 Dr. Richard FesslerChicago, IL Any surgery has many potential risks, but the most common types of problems seen in anterior neck surgery are infection, difficulty swallowing and a change in voice. With any artificial substance in the body there is also a small risk of it coming loose or wearing out over many years of use. |
 Dr. Joseph StachniakPlano, TX The risks of this procedure are the same as the usual surgical risks of spinal surgery. |
The commentary above recounts the experiences of these physicians. Medtronic invited them to share their stories candidly. Keep in mind that results vary; not every patient's response is the same. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any products that are mentioned above.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
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