If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from cervical disc degeneration, you may be wondering which surgery would be best for you. When it comes to the financial costs, getting cervical disc replacement surgery is actually more affordable than cervical fusion surgery. The advantages and costs of cervical disc replacement make it the best choice for many candidates in need of neck surgery for cervical disc degeneration.
Costs of Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is associated with several costs that are not associated with cervical disc replacement. Because fusion surgery is more invasive and intense, it can require a longer hospital stay. Fusion surgery is often an inpatient procedure with hefty hospital fees. Additionally, bone grafts are usually needed to support the vertebrae as they heal, and these can be very expensive. The longer recovery after spinal fusion means taking more time off work, which can be an unexpected indirect cost of this type of surgery. Lastly, the greater risk of accelerated degeneration of the adjacent discs after spinal fusion can lead to more long-term complications and expenses down the road.
Costs of Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is a less invasive procedure that is performed as an outpatient surgery at a surgery center, which means no costly hospital fees. There is no need for expensive bone grafts because the disc is replaced with an artificial one. Disc replacement also has a shorter recovery time than fusion surgery, which allows patients to return to work sooner. It does not put the adjacent discs at risk for accelerated degeneration and therefore reduces the risk of long-term expenses. Finally, artificial cervical discs do not wear out over time, which means they will not need to be replaced through another costly surgery.
Advantages of Disc Replacement
In addition to being less expensive, cervical disc replacement has many other advantages over fusion surgery. As mentioned, it is a less invasive procedure that is safely and effectively performed on an outpatient basis, making the recovery smoother and easier. There are no restrictions with return to sports or hobbies. Unlike fusion surgery (which limits range of motion), cervical disc replacement is a motion-preserving spine surgery, which means it maintains full mobility of the spine. Also, artificial cervical discs have a proven track record of over 20+ years, which yields excellent outcomes for patients with cervical disc degeneration.
If you need spine surgery for a herniated or degenerative cervical disc, disc replacement is the best and most affordable choice. This outpatient surgery offers a quick recovery with fewer expenses and a better long-term prognosis.
For more information about cervical disc replacement, schedule your consultation with our board-certified, fellowship-trained, Denver-based orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Stephen Pehler. Call 303-695-6060 or fill out our online contact form to book your appointment today.