Living with chronic neck pain or arm discomfort can make daily life difficult. If you’ve tried conservative care and are still struggling, there’s another option. Cervical disc replacement is a modern surgical solution that removes damaged spinal discs while preserving the natural movement of the spine.
At Northwest Spine Surgery in Portland, OR, we offer advanced cervical disc replacement using the Mobi-C® implant. Our team includes fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize in spine procedures and prioritize minimally invasive techniques and long-term outcomes. We’re committed to patient-centered care that promotes recovery and quality of life.
What Is the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc?
The Mobi-C Cervical Disc is an artificial disc implant composed of three components: two metal endplates and a polyethylene insert of medical-grade quality. Designed to replace a damaged cervical disc, it allows for motion at the treated level, rather than eliminating it, as is the case with traditional fusion surgery.
More than 200,000 Mobi-C implants have been placed in over 25 countries since 2004. It was the first device in the U.S. approved to treat two levels of the cervical spine and has undergone extensive study. Ten-year clinical data shows:
- Improved Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores.
- Decreased neck and arm pain.
- No adjacent-level surgeries are needed between 7 and 10 years.
Mobi-C is ideal for patients with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or nerve compression in the cervical spine.
Mobi-C Cervical Disc vs. Spinal Fusion
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been the standard for years. This fusion surgery involves:
- Removing the damaged disc.
- Placing a spacer to restore disc height.
- Securing a metal plate and screws to stabilize the area.
Fusion eliminates movement at the surgical level. In contrast, Mobi-C cervical disc replacement:
- Replaces the disc and maintains motion.
- Eliminates the need for bone grafts or plates.
- Reduces stress on adjacent spinal segments.
Motion preservation may decrease the likelihood of future degeneration at other levels.
Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement
Choosing a Mobi-C cervical disc replacement can provide several advantages over fusion. These benefits include:
- Preserved neck mobility after surgery.
- Faster return to activities compared to fusion.
- Less risk of adjacent segment degeneration.
- No need for bone graft harvesting.
- Proven long-term outcomes.
This approach is ideal for younger, active patients seeking durable relief without compromising flexibility.
Who Is a Candidate for Mobi-C Disc Replacement?
Patients experiencing the following may be good candidates:
- Chronic neck pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy or injections.
- Arm pain or weakness caused by disc herniation or nerve compression.
- Degenerative disc disease affecting one or two levels in the cervical spine.
A consultation with a Northwest Spine Surgery specialist will help determine if cervical disc replacement is right for you.
Why Choose Northwest Spine Surgery for Cervical Disc Replacement?
At Northwest Spine Surgery, we specialize in surgical solutions for spinal conditions. Here's what sets us apart:
- Experienced Surgeons: Dr. Kendrick Khoo and Dr. Serena Liu are fellowship-trained in spine surgery and have extensive experience with disc replacement.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize conservative care first and only recommend surgery when it’s truly needed.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: We use advanced surgical methods that promote faster recovery and minimize disruption.
- Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis through recovery, our team provides compassionate, personalized care.
We are proud to serve the Portland community with innovative spine care options backed by data and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Mobi-C cervical disc surgeries take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of levels treated.
Yes. One of the main benefits of the Mobi-C disc is its ability to preserve normal neck movement.
Many patients return to light activity within two weeks. Full recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks.
Most major insurance providers cover cervical disc replacement; however, it’s essential to verify the specific details of individual plans.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, implant failure, or persistent symptoms. However, Mobi-C has a strong safety profile, supported by long-term data.
Schedule a Cervical Disc Consultation in Portland
If you’re considering cervical disc replacement, the team at Northwest Spine Surgery is here to help. Call us today at 503-253-4000 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
