When patients have a failed disc replacement, they typically show good progression and minimal pain for the first three months or so, followed by returning achy neck pain, pain down the side of the shoulder, or pain down the arm.
This can be a sign of:
1. A disc space infection, a slow-growing bacteria that comes from the skin (very rare)
2. The implant not functioning properly, causing excess loading in the spine
3. Improper decompression of nerves, which can pinch spinal nerves and cause more pain
To avoid these unwanted symptoms of failed cervical ADR, the surgeon must be qualified, experienced in performing this specific operation, and know how to release nerves successfully.
