Artificial Cervical Discs (AUDIO) Washington University School of Medicine Your browser does not support the audio element. Caption Spine surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis are reporting that artificial discs seem to be a viable alternative to traditional fusion surgery for treating problems in the cervical spine. Each year about a quarter of a million people in the United States have surgery to correct disc problems in the neck. The disc is like a shock absorber between the bones in the spine -- tough on the outside and squishy inside -- both supporting and cushioning movements. Traditional surgery involved removing the disc and then fusing the bones together. In this study, some patients received implants to replace their ruptured discs. Two years following surgery, those who received artificial discs had statistically greater improvements in function than those who received traditional fusion surgery. Credit Washington University School of Medicine Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.