Cervical Disc Replacement in Louisville, Kentucky
Motion-preserving alternative to neck fusion. Dr. Michael Casnellie performed Kentucky's first Mobi-C cervical artificial disc replacement and continues to lead the state in cervical disc arthroplasty. Medically reviewed by Michael Casnellie, MD, David McConda, MD, and Steven Ganzel, DO - May 2026.
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A Motion-Preserving Alternative to Cervical Fusion
If you've been told you need cervical fusion (ACDF) for neck or arm pain — but you're worried about losing motion in your neck or having more problems down the road — cervical disc replacement may be a better option for you.
At Aptiva Health in Louisville, Dr. Michael Casnellie performed Kentucky's first Mobi-C cervical artificial disc replacement and remains one of the most experienced motion-preservation spine surgeons in the state. Cervical disc replacement removes the damaged disc that's pinching your nerves — just like a fusion does — but instead of bolting two vertebrae together, it inserts an FDA-approved artificial disc that lets your neck move normally.
The result: relief from arm pain, numbness, and weakness, with your natural cervical motion preserved and a faster return to active life.
Conditions We Treat With Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is most commonly used for nerve compression in the neck caused by a damaged disc. It is appropriate for:
Cervical radiculopathy — pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
Herniated cervical disc — a disc in the neck that has bulged or ruptured and is pressing on a nerve
Cervical disc degeneration with arm pain (degenerative disc disease)
Pinched nerve in the neck
Persistent neck and arm pain that has not improved after 6+ weeks of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or epidural steroid injections
Select cases of cervical myelopathy caused by disc compression of the spinal cord
Adjacent segment disease — disc degeneration immediately above or below a previous cervical fusion (select cases)
Not sure if your neck pain is a disc issue? → Spine Surgery Louisville
Disc Replacement vs. Cervical Fusion (ACDF) — What's the Difference?
Both procedures start the same way — through a small incision in the front of the neck, the surgeon removes the damaged disc that is compressing the nerve or spinal cord. The difference is what happens next.
Cervical Fusion (ACDF)
Two vertebrae are permanently bonded together using a bone graft and small plate
Motion at that level is permanently eliminated
Healing requires the bone graft to fuse — typically several months
Adjacent discs may absorb more force over time, which can accelerate wear and tear
Cervical Disc Replacement
An FDA-approved artificial disc is inserted in place of the damaged disc
Natural motion at that level is preserved
Recovery does not depend on bone fusion — return to activity is often faster
Studies suggest reduced risk of needing additional surgery at adjacent levels long-term
Both procedures have an excellent track record for relieving nerve compression. Disc replacement is generally preferred for patients with good bone quality, healthy facet joints, and a desire to preserve motion. Cervical fusion remains the right choice for patients with instability, advanced arthritis, or certain other anatomic factors. Dr. Casnellie and Dr. McConda evaluate every patient individually to determine the best procedure for their anatomy and lifestyle.
What to Expect From Cervical Disc Replacement
Before Surgery
Cervical MRI (and sometimes CT) to confirm the damaged disc and identify the affected nerve(s)
Medical clearance and pre-operative consultation with your Aptiva spine provider
Review of bone density, facet joint condition, and overall cervical alignment to confirm candidacy
Fasting instructions per anesthesia protocol
Arrange a ride home — you cannot drive yourself the day of surgery
Day of Surgery
Arrive 1-2 hours before surgery start time
General anesthesia administered
Small horizontal incision made in the front of the neck (typically along a natural skin crease)
Damaged disc removed; spinal cord and nerves carefully decompressed
FDA-approved artificial disc (Mobi-C or equivalent) is precisely positioned in the disc space
Procedure typically takes 1-2 hours for a single level
1-2 hours in recovery, then discharge home the same day
After Surgery
Soft cervical collar for comfort during the first few days (no rigid brace required)
Most patients report immediate relief of arm pain and numbness
Walking is encouraged immediately
Sore throat and difficulty swallowing for a few days is normal
Desk work: typically 1-2 weeks
Driving: typically 1-2 weeks
Physical labor: typically 4-6 weeks
Post-operative follow-up at 2 weeks and 6 weeks
Physical therapy may begin around 4-6 weeks
Why Choose Aptiva Health for Cervical Disc Replacement
Kentucky's first Mobi-C surgeon. Dr. Michael Casnellie performed Kentucky's first Mobi-C cervical artificial disc replacement and has been treating spine patients in Louisville since 2005. Few practices in the state can match Aptiva's depth of experience in motion-preserving cervical surgery.
Outpatient. Not a hospital. Most cervical disc replacement patients go home the same day. You recover in your own bed, with your family — not in a hospital ward.
A dedicated spine team. Spine surgery isn't a side specialty at Aptiva — it's a focus. Our Louisville team includes board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeons plus dedicated PAs and a nurse practitioner who care for spine patients every day.
Honest guidance. Disc replacement isn't right for every patient. Our team evaluates whether disc replacement, ACDF, or non-surgical care is best for your anatomy and lifestyle — not what's most convenient to schedule.
Fast access. Stop waiting weeks for an answer. Most patients see an Aptiva spine provider within days of calling.
One team, start to finish. From your first call to your final post-op visit, you'll work with the same Aptiva team.
Cash-pay options available. For patients without insurance — or with high deductibles — we offer transparent, all-inclusive cash-pay pricing. No surprise hospital bills.
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Your Louisville Spine Care Team
At Aptiva Health, your spine care is delivered by a team of board-certified surgeons and advanced practice providers who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine — including herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine conditions.
Dr. Michael Casnellie — Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. Casnellie has been treating spine patients in Louisville since 2005 and is one of the most experienced motion-preservation spine surgeons in Kentucky. He performed Kentucky's first Mobi-C cervical artificial disc replacement — a procedure that preserves motion at the affected level of the cervical spine instead of fusing it — and remains one of the few surgeons in the state offering both cervical and lumbar disc replacement to appropriate candidates.
Dr. David McConda — Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. David McConda is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at Aptiva Health, fellowship-trained at OrthoCarolina Spine Center in Charlotte through the AOSpine North America Spine Surgery Fellowship — the premier spine-surgery training program of AOSpine, the international foundation that sets clinical standards in spine care. A Kentucky native who earned his MD at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Dr. McConda specializes in minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgery and SI joint fusion.
Steven Ganzel, DO - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Interventional Pain Management
Dr. Ganzel is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management. For the Aptiva Health Spine Team, he performs fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and other interventional pain procedures for patients — many of which provide lasting relief and prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Kayla Troutman — Spine Physician Assistant
Kayla Troutman is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Health Science in 2014, while also playing division 1 college basketball. She then earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant in 2018 from Sullivan University and is a board-certified physician assistant. During her time as a PA-C, Kayla has worked in emergency medicine, regenerative orthopedic medicine and returned to Sullivan as an assistant professor.
Michael Gilbert — Orthopedic Spine Physician Assistant
With 33 years of experience as a practicing physician assistant, Michael Gilbert has dedicated his expertise to the field of general orthopedics, spine care, joint injections, and fracture care. Michael is married with two daughters and serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Kentucky Army National Guard. In addition to his military service, Michael dons the hat of a soccer referee and showcases his culinary talents as a pastry chef.
David Koonce — Doctor of Nursing Practice
David Koonce, ARNP, DNP, FNP-C is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of successful nursing experience in various clinical and leadership roles within dynamic health care settings. David works directly with Dr. Casnellie in the Spine department to evaluate, diagnose, and treat spine conditions, diseases, and injuries. David also has a strong background in wellness and has completed advanced training in hormone optimization, anti-aging, and injury prevention.
Insurances Accepted
Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto insurance (PIP and Medpay). We verify benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before surgery.
Cervical disc replacement is FDA-approved and covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary. Both one-level and two-level Mobi-C disc replacements are covered.
For patients paying out of pocket, we offer transparent, bundled cash-pay pricing for cervical disc replacement that includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implant, and post-operative visits — no surprise itemized hospital bills.
Call 502-414-0036 to verify your insurance or request a cash-pay quote.
Ready for Relief From Neck and Arm Pain?
If you've been suffering with neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness — and conservative care hasn't worked — it's time to talk to Aptiva's spine team about whether disc replacement is right for you.
Schedule a Consultation in Louisville - Schedule Now
Aptiva Health — Spine Center of Excellence 3615 Newburg Road, Suite 101, Louisville, KY 40218 Phone: 1-866-439-6696 | Direct: 502-414-0036
Additional Louisville locations also serving spine patients:
Louisville East — 10100 Linn Station Road, Suite 1A, Louisville, KY 40223 — Tel: 502-465-8254
Louisville Downtown — 300 South 13th Street, Louisville, KY 40203 — Tel: 502-583-1011
Louisville Imaging — 3615 Newburg Road, Suite 106, Louisville, KY 40218 — Tel: 502-465-8254
Louisville Middletown — 401 N English Station Road, Suite 1A, Louisville, KY 40223 — Tel: 502-465-8254
Concussion & Sports Medicine Institute (on-site MRI) — 3611 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218 — Tel: 502-465-8254
Elizabethtown location serving spine patients:
Aptiva Health Orthopedics — Elizabethtown — 529 Westport Road, Suite 2, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 — Tel: 270-512-5480
Mt. Washington location serving spine patients:
Aptiva Health Orthopedics — Mt. Washington — 737 N Hwy 31e Bypass, Suite 2, Mt. Washington, KY 40047 — Tel: 502-465-8254
Cervical Disc Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions
What is cervical disc replacement surgery?
Cervical disc replacement (also called cervical disc arthroplasty or ADR) is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged disc in the neck with an FDA-approved artificial disc implant. Unlike traditional cervical fusion (ACDF), which permanently joins two vertebrae together, disc replacement preserves natural motion at the operated level of the spine. This can reduce stress on adjacent discs and may lower the long-term risk of additional surgery.
What is Mobi-C and why is it offered at Aptiva Health?
Mobi-C is an FDA-approved artificial cervical disc prosthesis used in cervical disc replacement surgery. Dr. Michael Casnellie at Aptiva Health performed Kentucky's first Mobi-C cervical artificial disc replacement and continues to be one of the most experienced motion-preservation spine surgeons in the state. Mobi-C is approved for both one-level and two-level cervical disc replacement, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.
How is cervical disc replacement different from cervical fusion (ACDF)?
Both procedures relieve nerve compression in the neck by removing a damaged disc, but they differ in what happens next. Cervical fusion (ACDF) permanently bonds two vertebrae together, which eliminates motion at that level. Cervical disc replacement instead inserts an artificial disc that allows the neck to bend, rotate, and flex naturally at that level. Studies show motion preservation may reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration — wear and tear on the discs above and below the surgical site — over the long term.
Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement?
Good candidates for cervical disc replacement typically have arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a herniated or degenerated cervical disc — and have not improved after six or more weeks of conservative treatment such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and/or epidural steroid injections. Patients with significant cervical instability, advanced facet joint arthritis, severe osteoporosis, or certain types of spinal stenosis may be better served by cervical fusion. A consultation and review of cervical imaging with Dr. Casnellie or Dr. McConda can determine the right procedure for you.
Is cervical disc replacement covered by insurance?
Yes. Cervical disc replacement is FDA-approved and covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary. One-level and two-level Mobi-C disc replacements are both approved for coverage. Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto insurance (PIP and Medpay). Our team verifies benefits and provides a clear cost estimate before surgery.
How long does cervical disc replacement surgery take?
A one-level cervical disc replacement typically takes about one to two hours of surgical time. A two-level procedure may take slightly longer. Including pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, and post-anesthesia recovery, patients are generally at the surgical facility for four to six hours before being discharged home the same day.
How long is the recovery after cervical disc replacement?
Most patients go home the same day. A soft cervical collar may be worn for comfort during the first few days, but rigid bracing is generally not required. Patients typically return to desk-based work within one to two weeks and resume driving within one to two weeks. Light exercise resumes around four weeks; full activity, including more physically demanding work, generally resumes within four to six weeks. Recovery is often faster than traditional cervical fusion because there is no waiting period for bone to heal.
What is the success rate of cervical disc replacement?
Published long-term clinical studies of cervical disc replacement, including FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trials of Mobi-C, have shown high success rates — generally comparable to or better than ACDF in pain relief and patient satisfaction, with significantly lower rates of additional surgery at the same or adjacent spinal levels seven and ten years after the original procedure. Individual outcomes depend on the patient's anatomy, severity of disease, and surgeon experience.
Who performs cervical disc replacement at Aptiva Health?
Cervical disc replacement at Aptiva Health is led by Dr. Michael Casnellie, who performed Kentucky's first Mobi-C cervical artificial disc replacement and is one of the most experienced motion-preservation spine surgeons in the state. Dr. David McConda — a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon — also performs minimally invasive cervical procedures. The full Aptiva spine team includes Kayla Troutman, PA-C, David Koonce, ARNP, DNP, FNP-C, and Michael Gilbert, PA-C, who support evaluation, surgical care, and post-operative follow-up.
Can I have cervical disc replacement if I've already had a cervical fusion?
In some cases, yes. Patients who have had a previous cervical fusion may develop adjacent segment disease — disc degeneration at the level immediately above or below the prior fusion. In carefully selected cases, an artificial disc can be placed at that adjacent level to relieve nerve compression while preserving motion. Whether this is appropriate depends on cervical imaging and clinical evaluation.