The risks of this procedure are the same as with anterior cervical discectomy. The difference is that this device is not a fusion. With motion, the device can migrate or wear down. These possibilities are being studied. This device is not released for general use, only as an investigational FDA device.

In skilled hands, this is a very safe procedure. Possible reported risks and complications may include:

• Damage to the spinal cord (about 1 in 10,000)
• Implant extrusion
• Bleeding
• Continued pain
• Adjacent disc disease
• Injury to the trachea or esophagus
• Difficulty swallowing- usually transient
• Hoarseness of the voice- usually transient
• Injury to the vertebral artery or carotid
• Stroke
• Paralysis
• Infection
• Death

The small nerve that supplies stimulus (innervation) to the vocal cords the recurrent laryngeal nerve will sometimes not function for several months after surgery because of retraction during the procedure, which can cause temporary hoarseness. Retraction of the esophagus can also produce temporary difficulty with swallowing (1 to 2 weeks). There is little chance of a recurrent disc herniation because most of the disc is removed with this type of surgery.