Cervical Disc Replacement Treatment in Turkey
About Cervical Disc Replacement
Key Highlights
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Preserves natural neck motion and flexibility compared to spinal fusion.May reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease (future degeneration at neighboring spinal levels).Typically involves a shorter recovery period and faster return to normal activities.Performed through a small incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach).Utilizes advanced artificial disc implants designed to mimic natural disc function.
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic cervical disc herniation causing nerve root compression (radiculopathy) with arm pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Cervical degenerative disc disease with persistent neck pain unresponsive to conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medications).
- Spinal cord compression (myelopathy) from a disc causing issues with balance, coordination, or fine motor skills.
- Patients who wish to maintain a greater range of motion in their neck post-surgery.
- Typically considered for one or two-level disc disease in the neck (C3-C7).
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including spine imaging (MRI, CT scan, X-rays).
- Discontinue certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as advised by your surgeon.
- Maintain a healthy diet and refrain from smoking to optimize healing.
- Arrange for help at home and time off work for the initial recovery period.
- Follow all pre-operative fasting instructions provided by the hospital.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or vocal cord issues due to nerve manipulation during the anterior approach.
- Implant-related issues: movement (migration), wear, or failure of the artificial disc.
- Persistent pain, nerve injury, or lack of symptom improvement.
- Rare but serious risks: spinal cord injury, damage to nearby structures like the esophagus or carotid artery, or formation of heterotopic ossification (extra bone growth).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is usually short, often just 1-2 days, with discharge once you can walk, eat, and manage pain.
- You may wear a soft cervical collar for comfort and support for a short period, but full immobilization is often not required.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications, and gentle neck movement is encouraged early on.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and high-impact sports for several weeks as guided by your surgeon.
- Attend follow-up appointments and begin a structured physical therapy program to strengthen neck muscles and restore optimal function.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cervical disc replacement in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cervical disc replacement in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cervical disc replacement. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cervical disc replacement compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cervical Disc Replacement in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cervical disc replacement.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
John Bhatia, a 48-year-old software architect...
John Bhatia, a 48-year-old software architect and father of two, had always been active, enjoying weekend hikes and coaching his son's soccer team. For two years, he battled persistent neck pain and numbness radiating down his right arm to his fingers, making long hours at the keyboard agonizing and stealing his ability to focus. Conservative treatments like physical therapy and epidural steroid injections provided only temporary relief. His spine surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that an MRI revealed a severely herniated disc at C5-C6 compressing a nerve root. Given John's age and active lifestyle, Dr. Evans recommended a cervical disc replacement over a fusion, explaining it could preserve his neck's natural motion and potentially prevent adjacent segment disease. John underwent the procedure, which went smoothly. His post-op recovery involved a short hospital stay, a soft collar for comfort, and a structured physical therapy program starting two weeks later. Within three months, the debilitating arm numbness was gone, and his neck pain was minimal. He returned to coaching and hiking at six months. Emotionally, John journeyed from frustration and fear, worried he'd never be the active dad he wanted to be, to profound relief and optimism. Regaining his mobility without significant restrictions felt like getting his life back.