Technique Pearls for Successful Cervical Disc Arthroplasty From More Than 20 Years of Surgical Experience

Study Design:Surgical technique paper.Objective:To describe tips and pearls for cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA).Background:CDA has proven to be an effective means of treatment for degenerative cervical disc disease and cervical radiculopathy in properly selected patients who have previously failed non-operative treatment.Methods:Surgical tips and pearls garnered from more than 20 years of experience with CDA surgery are described.Results:This discussion focuses on pearls for successful procedures, including patient selection, patient positioning, surgical technique, and postoperative protocols.Conclusions:In correctly selected patients, CDA can be effective in treating cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy. The techniques described here can increase the chance of success and decrease complications.