Cervical Disc Replacement

When to Consider a Cervical Disc Replacement?

One of the more common ailments facing the general population is neck pain. While there are many reasons for neck pain, typical causes include traumatic incidents, disc herniation(s) and also “wear and tear” conditions resulting in degenerative features such as arthritis that may crowd the spinal cord or nerve roots within the neck. In these instances, many patients will present with localized neck pain and additional limb symptoms that may even include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms. This condition is termed cervical [neck] radiculopathy [radiating pain +/- weakness in the arms].

There are a variety of different treatment options for neck and radicular pain including cervical (neck) disc replacement to help restore normal neck function and to reduce or extinguish pain. It is a safe and elective procedure that is commonly utilized to help many patients return promptly back to their normal, pain-free lives.

The cervical disc replacement procedure involves removing the damaged neck disc away from the compressed nerve tissue that correlates with the patient’s pain pattern. Most often, patients usually respond well with several conservative treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication to help tackle the problem. But in some patients, the neck issue may be more severe and require advanced treatment by a surgical specialist to produce lasting relief. Fortunately for many, by replacing the damaged disc, the patient often can return to a normal pain-free life quickly once the nerve pressure that caused the inflammation is removed. The disc replacement is a safe and very effective treatment that has benefited thousands of patients.

An important part of patient care as it relates to repairing neck and radiating arm pain is finding the right healthcare professional. Andre Shaffer, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine surgery. Dr. Shaffer uses an evidence-based clinical approach to discuss the many treatment options for spine issues so that patients may select a treatment course that best fits their individual needs. These discussions include, when appropriate, if a patient is a candidate for a cervical disc replacement. Using the most current evidence and technology, Dr. Shaffer focuses on a no-nonsense approach to safely eliminating spinal nerve pain and is passionate about promptly getting his patients back to a healthy and active lifestyle.

If you desire to learn more about the many treatment options for your neck and arm pain, Dr. Shaffer is accepting new patients and will gladly provide thoughtful answers for your questions. Cervical nerve pain is miserable; isn’t it time to get this behind you?

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle – We’ve got your back. Simply call to schedule today.

Dr Phillip Downer is an extremely talented, experienced, and compassionate Ortho. I have been lucky enough to be a patient of Dr Downer's and I can say without hesitation that he is your guy for anything hip related. He has over 20 years of experience in treating everything from hip dysplasia, impingement (FAI), severe OA for hip replacements, etc and truly cares about the patient's preferences to ensure the best possible route to regaining their desired lifestyle.
I would also like to comment that there appear to be critical reviews of the front desk, schedulers, and technicians but that couldn't be any more opposite of the experience that I have had both in the Ballard and Wallingford clinics. Everyone from front desk, scheduling, techs for MRI, etc have been extremely kind, professional, and timely.
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Chris S.
Dr. Reed is the best Foot & Ankle Doc in the Northwest! He gets to the root of the problem & does it quickly. Also, the surgical staff are so comforting and helpful. I highly recommend SOC for all of your Orthopedic concerns/conditions! 👍
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Rain
Dr. Downer performed my hip arthroscopy, and I could not be more happy with the result. I'm a professional dancer, so full mobility and strength are very important to me. Everyone, including my physical therapist, has told me my recovery process is well above average. I don't have any scar tissue build up, my incisions scars are tiny, and I've had none of the mobility issues I read so much about on forums for this surgery. Dr. Downer's precision and expertise has given me back my life. This is definitely the place to go if you need hip surgery!
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Lainey B.
Dr. Downer performed my hip arthroscopy, and I could not be more happy with the result. I'm a professional dancer, so full mobility and strength are very important to me. Everyone, including my physical therapist, has told me my recovery process is well above average. I don't have any scar tissue build up, my incisions scars are tiny, and I've had none of the mobility issues I read so much about on forums for this surgery. Dr. Downer's precision and expertise has given me back my life. This is definitely the place to go if you need hip surgery!
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Elaine B.
Confused by many of this reviews but wanted to share that I am happy with the treatment/care I received from Dr. Shapiro. He was concise and respectful, exactly how good surgeons should be. Excellent Bedside manor is for GPs, PTs, Techs and Nurses; I want my surgeons to be only interested in fixing my injury...not making me mentally feel good.
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Kelly M.
Dr. Shapiro was able to explain my shoulder issue with great care and detail. He took the time to listen to me and made me feel that he really cared. I didn’t feel rushed nor part of a huge “rush you through practice”. He took the time to review test results and explained them with great care. I left feeling like I had a good plan moving forward and look forward to returning to his care as needed. It has been a long time since I felt this sense of comfort after a doctors visit. I highly recommend him for your medical care.
Pat Higgins
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Patricia H.
I am a healthy, active female, soon to be sixty six years old.
During the spring season of 2021 I had a meniscus root tear in my left knee that I acquired while playing with my three year old grandson.
The injury wasn’t immediately evident as I had spent the next month on a road trip hiking in the mountains with no issues, other than experiencing some stiffness in my knee, which I would find relief by stretching prior to each hike. It was after I returned home when I began to experience a slight limp and weakness in the left knee. One day I took a step and had a sharp pain and soon realized I wasn’t able to bear any weight on that leg and fell.
I went to an Orthopedic clinic in Olympia, WA for x-rays and an MRI, which revealed I had a medial meniscus root tear in my left knee. The attending Ortho doctor gave me the option to either have surgery or let it heal on its own. He told me the recovery following surgery for repairing the root tear would be more difficult than having a total knee replacement. He also noted that he was the only doctor in Olympia who performed this type of surgery. After that appointment I decided to seek a second opinion. My daughter, who is an Orthopedic PA, did some research and discovered Dr. Grant Garcia. Her comment was, “Do you want a doctor who performs a limited number of these types of surgeries annually or a doctor who performs hundreds?”
Dr. Garcia reviewed the MRI and confirmed the diagnosis was accurate. I should note this type of injury most commonly occurs in sport injuries. He also explained to me that because I had little to no arthritis evident in my knees I was a good candidate for the Laparoscopic surgery. Doing nothing means in the future I would most likely develop arthritis and eventually a knee replacement. It was extremely important to me to resume my normal level of activities, i.e., hiking, kayaking and swimming.
On August 30, 2021 Dr. Garcia performed Laparoscopic surgery on my left knee to repair the MRT, which only took around forty-five minutes. I was given a pain blocker to help eliminate pain coming out of surgery. Following the surgery and throughout my recovery time I never once had ANY pain. As Dr. Garcia originally explained, the most difficult part of the recovery is the non weight bearing for eight weeks, which required using a immobilizer brace and walker and hopping around the house or to physical therapy appointments. I followed the home PT instructions explicitly and I found that I was a one to two weeks ahead in meeting my goals. By the eighth week I began hiking again, on alternate days, first couple days with a brace and then no brace. I would say currently my knee feels about 90% back to normal, however it should be back to 100% by the one year anniversary of the surgery.
Dr. Grant Garcia is a confident, exceptionally skilled Orthopedic surgeon, who listens to his patient’s needs and concerns. He clearly explains the patient’s diagnosis and provides an accurate prognosis. Above all, the proof of his abilities is in my knee.
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Kimberly T.
Dr. Reed is the best ankle doctor! Honestly one of the nicest doctors I’ve ever been to. Highly recommend. All of the staff were super nice and very helpful.
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Barbara H.
Why are you doing such a stupid thing as asking Dr. Yi's patients if you approve of his skills. Of course I approve of Dr. Yi. He took very good care of me and, as in those past experiences, I have absolutely no comments re his need for approval. Of course I approve. I wouldn't have gone back to him if I didn't think he was competent, which he certainly is.
Barbara M. Hansen
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Barbara H.
The first time I saw Dr. Yi he was kindness itself. He explained what my options were and what they entailed. When I left he told me to call if I had any questions or let him know what next step I wanted to take. A couple of weeks later I returned and felt very confident in my decision. I will return again if I need further help.
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Cynthia T.

When to Consider a Cervical Disc Replacement?

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