💡 AI Summary & Key Takeaways
– Cervical disc herniation manifests as severe neck-arm radiating pain (cervicobrachialgia) and numbness.
– Total Disc Replacement (M6-C/ProDisc-C) preserves natural neck rotation and protects adjacent levels.
– ACDF provides definitive stabilization and instant nerve root decompression.
– Total Disc Replacement (M6-C/ProDisc-C) preserves natural neck rotation and protects adjacent levels.
– ACDF provides definitive stabilization and instant nerve root decompression.
Clinical Presentation of Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical disc herniations (frequently at C5-C6 and C6-C7) compress descending nerve roots, eliciting sharp radiating arm pain (radiculopathy), paresthesias in dermatomal distributions, and motor weakness in the hand intrinsics.
Surgical Interventions: ACDF vs. Cervical Arthroplasty
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF): Microscopic nerve liberation and interbody fusion using PEEK cages.
- Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR): Motion-preserving prosthesis maintaining physiological neck kinematics and reducing adjacent-level stress.