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Cervical Procedures in Carmel, IN CDR (Cervical Disc Replacement)

Introduction to CDR (Cervical Disc Replacement)

Preserve Motion with Cervical Disc Replacement

If you have pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness traveling down one or both arms, it may be a good idea to see a specialist for treatment. These symptoms can result from damaged discs and vertebrae caused by gradual aging, wear and tear, and sudden mechanical stress, which can lead to conditions like cervical disc herniation, cervical myelopathy, and cervical stenosis.

As part of Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Peter Swiatek performs CDR (cervical disc replacement) in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, for appropriately selected patients with cervical disc disease. The procedure is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves while preserving motion at the treated level.

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What is Cervical Disc Replacement?

CDR (cervical disc replacement) is a neck surgery that removes a damaged cushion between the vertebrae and replaces it with an artificial disc made of metal or plastic. The artificial disc helps relieve pressure on pinched nerves or the spinal cord that develops over years of aging and natural wear and tear.

Unlike cervical fusion, which stabilizes the treated vertebrae by allowing them to heal together, cervical disc replacement is designed to preserve motion at the treated level. Whether CDR or a fusion procedure is more appropriate depends on factors such as the condition of the disc and facet joints, spinal alignment, stability, the location of nerve or spinal cord compression, and the patient’s overall anatomy.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Cervical Disc Replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is not appropriate for every patient with cervical disc disease. Dr. Swiatek evaluates the source of nerve or spinal cord compression, the condition of the affected disc and facet joints, spinal stability, alignment, symptoms, and previous treatment before determining whether CDR may be appropriate. Candidates may include patients who:

  • Tried physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections without adequate relief
  • Have been diagnosed with a cervical disc disease, such as radiculopathy, myelopathy, or stenosis
  • Sharp or burning pain traveling from the shoulder down into the arm and hand.
  • Loss of sensation or a prickling feeling in the shoulders, arms, or fingers
  • Difficulty lifting objects
  • Have little to no significant arthritis affecting the facet joints at the proposed treatment level

What Are the Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement?

Cervical disc replacement can relieve nerve or spinal cord compression while preserving motion at the treated level. For appropriately selected patients, potential benefits of CDR include:

  • Reducing arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by nerve compression
  • Preserving motion at the treated spinal level
  • Maintaining disc height and supporting cervical alignment
  • Avoiding fusion at the treated level
  • Potentially reducing stress on adjacent spinal segments compared with fusion
  • Eliminating the need for bone graft to achieve fusion
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How to Begin Your Cervical Disc Replacement Journey

Your cervical disc replacement journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Swiatek in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana. He will assess your symptoms, previous treatments, physical examination findings, and imaging to determine the source of nerve or spinal cord compression and whether CDR may be an appropriate treatment option.

During your consultation, Dr. Swiatek will:

  • Review your medical history: Talk through your neck, shoulder, and arm symptoms, past treatments, and overall health status.
  • Examine imaging: Examine your X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to diagnose the exact condition of your cervical discs and spine structure.
  • Perform Examinations: Perform a range of tests to evaluate your neck’s range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and physical sensation in your arms and hands.
  • Determine candidacy: Decide whether cervical disc replacement is the appropriate procedure for your unique situation.
  • Explain the procedure: Provide a detailed explanation of what to expect during and after the surgery and review risks.
  • Start preparation: Create a personalized treatment plan, including pre-operative instructions, recovery steps, risks, and the cost

Please feel free to ask any questions as they come up.

What to Expect on the Day of Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

On the day of your cervical disc replacement surgery, you should not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure to avoid aspiration. When you arrive at our facility in Carmel, Indiana, or one of our affiliated hospitals in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, you will check in and review your treatment plan with Dr. Swiatek.

Here is what you can expect from the procedure:

  • You will be put to sleep with general anesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain or stay awake
  • Dr. Swiatek will make a small incision in the front of your neck and gently move muscles, blood vessels, and your windpipe aside to access your spine.
  • The damaged disc and bone spurs in the area are removed to free the pinched nerves.
  • With the help of an X-ray, Dr. Swiatek places the new metal and plastic disc into the space, preserving your natural disc height and motion.
  • The incision is sutured closed and covered with a bandage.

The surgery typically takes about 2 hours, but you will need to stay longer to recover afterward, when we will check your vitals.

Occasionally, we may recommend replacing two disc levels. Dr. Swiatek will discuss this with you during your evaluation if a two-level disc replacement is recommended.

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Cervical Disc Replacement Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Cervical Disc Replacement Care

After your consultation and surgery, you will need to focus on the recovery, which heavily relies on following several guidelines to ensure you recover smoothly with as little pain and discomfort as possible. Some of the post-operative recovery instructions may include the following:

  • Take prescribed medications as directed to minimize discomfort
  • Get plenty of rest and let your tissues heal
  • Keep your incision clean and dry
  • Eat soft foods if you have a sore throat
  • Wear a cervical collar if recommended by Dr. Swiatek
  • Keep your incision clean and dry
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated on pillows
  • Avoid bending, twisting your neck sharply, and exercising until cleared by Dr. Swiatek
  • Attend follow-up visits at our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo office
  • Participate in physical therapy if prescribed by Dr. Swiatek

How Much Does Cervical Disc Replacement Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN?

The cost of cervical disc replacement in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, varies based on the details of your treatment plan and insurance coverage. Coverage for CDR depends on your individual insurance plan and medical circumstances. Our billing department is available to answer questions about the anticipated cost of your treatment after Dr. Swiatek completes your evaluation.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon serving patients in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana. His approach emphasizes evidence-based care, careful patient selection, and non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate. For patients who require surgery, he has experience with both cervical fusion and motion-preservation procedures, allowing the surgical approach to be selected according to each patient’s anatomy and spinal condition.

Dr. Swiatek is also actively involved in spine surgery research and education. He has more than 55 peer-reviewed publications, presents research at national and international academic spine conferences, and mentors medical students, residents, and fellows in research. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), North American Spine Society (NASS), and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

CDR (Cervical Disc Replacement) FAQ’S

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Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

View Case Studies

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