Cervical Disc Replacement in Northern Kentucky

Motion-preserving alternative to neck fusion. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri performs cervical artificial disc replacement at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky.

Medically reviewed by Jaideep Chunduri, MD - August 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 Indianapolis, Dr. David McConda performs cervical artificial disc replacement and remains one of the most experienced motion-preservation spine surgeons in the region. 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 Lexington

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

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 Indianapolis team includes board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeons plus dedicated PAs and 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.

Schedule your appointment today!

Your Northern Kentucky Spine Care Team

At Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky, 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.

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 Prestige 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 859-592-1008 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 Northern Kentucky — Schedule Now

Aptiva Health – Northern Kentucky: 2093 Medical Arts Drive, Hebron, KY 41048

📞 859-592-1008

Get Directions →

Drive times:

• 5 minutes from CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport)

• 10 minutes from Florence, KY via I-71/75

• 12 minutes from Burlington and Union via KY-237

• 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati via I-275 East

• 18 minutes from Covington and Newport

• 20 minutes from Anderson Township and Mt. Washington (OH)

• 25 minutes from Price Hill, Westwood, and Delhi Township

• 30 minutes from Florence Mall and the Boone County line south

Communities we routinely serve: Hebron, Florence, Burlington, Union, Walton, Erlanger, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Independence, Covington, Newport, Fort Thomas, Cold Spring, Alexandria, Highland Heights, and across the river in Cincinnati, Anderson Township, Delhi Township, Cheviot, Price Hill, and Westwood.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Walk-in injury care availability may vary; call ahead to confirm.

Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Kentucky Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.

Cervical Disc Replacement in Northern Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions

What is cervical disc replacement surgery?

Cervical disc replacement, also called cervical disc arthroplasty or artificial disc replacement, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged disc in the neck with an artificial disc implant. Unlike anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), which joins two vertebrae together, cervical disc replacement is designed to preserve motion at the treated level.

At Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky, cervical disc replacement is part of a comprehensive spine program led by Jaideep Chunduri, MD, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience serving patients throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

What is the Prestige cervical disc?

Prestige™ LP is an FDA-approved artificial cervical disc designed to allow motion after a damaged cervical disc is removed. The device has been studied for both one-level and two-level cervical disc replacement.

Dr. Jaideep Chunduri performs Prestige cervical artificial disc replacement at Aptiva Health as one of the motion-preserving surgical options available to appropriate patients. The specific implant and surgical approach are selected based on each patient's anatomy, imaging, symptoms, and individual needs.

How is cervical disc replacement different from cervical fusion (ACDF)?

Both procedures may be considered when a damaged cervical disc is contributing to nerve or spinal cord compression. The primary difference is what happens after the affected disc is removed.

With ACDF, the treated vertebrae are stabilized so they can fuse together. With cervical disc replacement, an artificial disc is placed between the vertebrae with the goal of maintaining motion at that level.

Dr. Chunduri performs both cervical disc replacement and ACDF, allowing him to discuss the advantages and considerations of each approach based on the individual patient's condition and goals.

Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement?

Candidacy depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the disc problem, symptoms, imaging findings, spinal stability, bone health, previous treatment, and overall medical history.

Cervical disc replacement may be considered for certain patients with conditions such as a cervical herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or cervical nerve compression. Other patients may be better suited for nonsurgical treatment or a procedure such as ACDF.

A consultation with Dr. Chunduri at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, prior treatment, and available imaging so you can understand the options that may be appropriate for you.

Is cervical disc replacement covered by insurance?

Coverage for cervical disc replacement varies by insurance plan and depends on factors such as medical necessity and the specific procedure being recommended. Aptiva Health works with commercial insurance, Medicare, Kentucky Medicaid, workers' compensation, auto-accident coverage, and self-pay patients.

The Aptiva Health team can review insurance benefits and help patients understand expected coverage and financial responsibilities before a planned procedure.

How long does cervical disc replacement surgery take?

Procedure time varies depending on the number of spinal levels being treated, the patient's anatomy, and the complexity of the condition. Many cervical disc replacement procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing appropriately selected patients to return home after post-operative monitoring.

Dr. Chunduri and the surgical team will explain the expected timeline, surgical plan, and recovery process before the procedure.

How long is recovery after cervical disc replacement?

Recovery is different for every patient. Factors such as the number of levels treated, overall health, occupation, activity level, and the condition of the cervical spine can all affect the timeline.

Because cervical disc replacement is designed to preserve motion rather than create a spinal fusion, the recovery process differs from ACDF. Dr. Chunduri and the Aptiva Health team provide individualized guidance about returning to work, driving, exercise, and other activities based on each patient's progress.

What results can patients expect after cervical disc replacement?

Cervical disc replacement has been evaluated in long-term clinical studies as a treatment for appropriately selected patients with cervical disc disease. The goal of surgery is to address the underlying disc problem and nerve compression while preserving motion at the treated level.

Results vary from patient to patient and depend on factors including diagnosis, anatomy, severity of disease, overall health, and rehabilitation. No surgical outcome can be guaranteed, which is why Dr. Chunduri evaluates each patient individually before recommending surgery. Prestige LP has published long-term clinical study data for both one- and two-level use.

Who performs cervical disc replacement at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky?

Spine care at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky is led by Jaideep Chunduri, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon.

Dr. Chunduri is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and fellowship-trained in spine surgery at the Southern California Orthopaedic Institute. He has more than two decades of experience in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and previously served as Director of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at TriHealth and as a founding orthopedic spine surgeon at Beacon Orthopedics.

His practice includes cervical disc replacement, ACDF, cervical decompression, minimally invasive spine surgery, lumbar procedures, and revision spine surgery. At Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky, Dr. Chunduri works within an integrated team that also provides interventional pain management, physical therapy, MRI and imaging, and other orthopedic services.

Can I have cervical disc replacement if I've already had a cervical fusion?

Previous cervical fusion does not automatically rule out artificial disc replacement. In some situations, a patient can develop problems at a spinal level next to a previous fusion, sometimes called adjacent segment disease.

Whether cervical disc replacement is an option depends on the location of the prior fusion, the condition of the surrounding discs and joints, spinal alignment, imaging findings, and other individual factors. Dr. Chunduri can review previous imaging and surgical history to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Patients seeking a second opinion are also welcome to schedule with Dr. Chunduri and bring previous MRI, CT, X-ray, and surgical records for review. Aptiva Health specifically notes that many patients see him for a second opinion before deciding on spine surgery.

Neck pain shouldn't leave you waiting for answers.

Meet with Jaideep Chunduri, MD at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky to learn more about conservative treatment, cervical disc replacement, ACDF, and other spine care options.

Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky
2093 Medical Arts Drive
Hebron, KY 41048
859-592-1008

The Northern Kentucky location provides spine care, on-site MRI and imaging, interventional pain management, physical therapy, orthopedics, and immediate injury care for patients throughout Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties and the Greater Cincinnati region.

Questions? Call us today! 859-592-1008