Cervical Disc Arthroplasty — ACDA (Anterior Cervical Disc Arthroplasty)

Axis Spine Center · Axis Spine Physical Therapy Team

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; walking and stationary bike 2x/day from Phase 1; 30+ min/day by Phase 2

Key Restrictions

No passive stretching x 6 weeks; no lifting >15 lbs x 6 weeks; no extension AROM x 4 weeks; no impact activities x 6 weeks; driving at 2-4 weeks when off narcotics and able to turn neck; expect swallowing difficulty up to 6 weeks; notify surgeon for severe dysphagia or inability to tolerate solid food

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): gentle AROM, pec stretching, scapular retractions (no resistance), stationary bike/walking; Phase 2 (2-4 wks): OP strengthening, cervical postural/deep flexor work, UE strengthening; return-to-activity: outdoor biking/hiking/Pilates at 4 wks, elliptical/skiing/yoga at 6 wks, swimming/golf/running at 6-8 wks

Notes

Standalone arthroplasty device (no plate); maintains segmental motion; anterior incision right or left of midline; imaging A/P lateral at 6 weeks; dysphagia monitoring emphasized; radicular symptoms may recur throughout recovery; Axis Spine Center 08.08.21

Surgeon / Author

Axis Spine Physical Therapy Team

Published

August 2021