Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery in Bangalore: Procedure, Cost & Recovery
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery in Bangalore: Procedure, Cost & Recovery
Neck pain caused by a damaged cervical disc is one of the most common reasons patients visit a neurosurgeon in Bangalore. When a cervical disc herniates or degenerates severely, it can press on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms. For decades, the standard surgical treatment was cervical fusion — permanently joining two vertebrae. Cervical disc replacement (arthroplasty) is a newer alternative that treats the same problem while preserving movement at the operated level.
What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Cervical disc replacement (also called cervical arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure in which a damaged cervical disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc implant. Unlike cervical fusion, which eliminates movement at the operated level, the artificial disc is designed to mimic the natural disc and allow continued movement.
The procedure is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach) — the same approach used for cervical fusion.
Disc Replacement vs Fusion: Key Differences
| Feature | Disc Replacement | Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Movement preserved | Yes | No |
| Adjacent segment disease risk | Lower | Higher |
| Suitable for instability | No | Yes |
| Suitable for osteoporosis | No | Yes |
| Recovery time | Similar | Similar |
| Cost | Higher (implant cost) | Lower |
| Long-term data | 10+ years | 30+ years |
Who Is a Candidate?
Cervical disc replacement is recommended for patients with:
- Single or two-level cervical disc herniation causing arm pain (radiculopathy) or spinal cord compression (myelopathy)
- Failure of 6 weeks of conservative treatment (physiotherapy, pain management)
- Age typically 18–60 years
- No significant osteoporosis, instability, or facet joint arthritis at the operated level
Symptoms Leading to Surgery
- Neck pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Weakness in the hand or arm (dropping objects, difficulty with fine motor tasks)
- Electric shock sensation down the spine when bending the neck (Lhermitte's sign)
- Difficulty walking or balance problems (cervical myelopathy — spinal cord compression)
Diagnosis
- MRI cervical spine — gold standard for disc and nerve assessment
- CT scan — bone detail, facet joint assessment
- X-rays (flexion-extension) — assess instability
- Nerve conduction studies — confirm nerve root involvement
The Procedure: Step by Step
- General anaesthesia; patient positioned on their back
- Small incision (3–4 cm) on the right side of the neck
- The damaged disc is removed completely (discectomy)
- The disc space is prepared and sized
- The artificial disc implant is inserted and positioned
- Fluoroscopy confirms correct placement
- Wound closed; no drain required in most cases
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours for single-level; 3–4 hours for two-level.
Recovery
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days
- Collar: A soft collar for 2–4 weeks (not always required)
- Return to desk work: 2–3 weeks
- Return to physical work: 6–8 weeks
- Driving: 3–4 weeks
- Physiotherapy: Begins at 4–6 weeks
Cost in Bangalore (2026)
| Hospital Tier | Total Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Government (NIMHANS) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Mid-range (Manipal, BGS) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 |
| Premium (Apollo, Fortis) | ₹5,50,000 – ₹9,00,000 |
The artificial disc implant itself costs ₹1.5–3 lakh depending on the brand (Medtronic, DePuy Synthes, NuVasive).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is disc replacement better than fusion? For the right patient, disc replacement offers the advantage of preserved movement and potentially lower risk of adjacent segment disease. For patients with instability, osteoporosis, or multi-level disease, fusion remains the better option. Your surgeon will advise based on your specific anatomy.
Q: How long does an artificial disc last? Current data shows artificial cervical discs functioning well at 10+ years. Long-term data beyond 15 years is still accumulating.
Q: Can the artificial disc be removed if there are problems? Yes, though revision surgery is more complex than the original procedure.
Q: Is the scar visible? The incision is on the front of the neck and heals to a thin, barely visible line within 6–12 months.
Ready to Find the Right Spine Surgeon?
Patient-Help.com connects you with verified spine surgeons and neurosurgeons in Bangalore. Share your MRI reports and we will help you find the right specialist — at no cost to you.
Get matched with a spine surgeon →
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified spine surgeon for personalised recommendations.
Sources
- Burkus JK et al. "Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Long-Term Results." Spine. 2015.
- North American Spine Society. "Cervical Disc Replacement." spine.org.
- Manipal Hospitals Bangalore. "Spine Surgery." manipalhospitals.com.
Need Help Finding the Right Specialist?
Describe your condition and we'll match you with verified specialists in Bangalore — completely free.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and medical decisions.
