Cervical Disc Arthroplasty — (CDA / Total Disc Replacement)

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center · Julia Rose EdD PA-C; OSU Neurological Surgery / Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

WBAT from POD 1; walking goal 30 min 2x/day

Key Restrictions

NSAIDs OK (start wk 2) — key distinction from ACDF where NSAIDs are avoided; collar +/- per surgeon; no lifting >5-8 lbs initially, increase 5 lbs every other week; no end-range cervical stretching/movements; no overhead lifting; no submerging incision until healed; sitting no >30-45 min; no tobacco

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase 1 (POD 1-3 wks, home), Phase 2 (3-6 wks, OP PT 2-3x/wk x 6-8 wks, 12-24 visits), Phase 3 (6 wks-3 months, progress strength to return to baseline); return to work: sedentary 1-4 wks, manual labor 6-16 wks

Notes

.edu site; April 2022; key differentiator from ACDF: NSAIDs permitted (cervical motion preserved = no fusion risk), faster return to activities, lifting progression 5 lbs/other week; cervical retractions and light AROM earlier; NDI at initial eval; scapulothoracic stabilization emphasis; same authorship as OSU ACDF/lumbar protocols; extensive references

Surgeon / Author

Julia Rose EdD PA-C; OSU Neurological Surgery / Orthopaedic Surgery

Published

April 2022