Cervical Disc Replacement
Our spine surgeon at OrthoNC is at the forefront of advancements in the design of implants, tools to better diagnose the source of back pain, and surgical techniques. One exciting surgical option available at OrthoNC is cervical disc arthroplasty disc replacement surgery.
What is disc replacement surgery?
Cervical disc arthroplasty, sometimes known as Mobi-C surgery, is a very specialized disc replacement surgery designed to replace damaged discs in the neck (cervical spine) while preserving natural range of motion and function, and providing a shorter postsurgical recovery. This procedure removes the diseased disc between the bones and replaces it with a mechanical disc device that mimics the function of the disc.
How does disc replacement compare to spinal fusion surgery?
Historically, spinal fusion surgery has been considered the “gold standard” for treating back pain when nonsurgical methods cease to be effective. This procedure fuses two or more vertebrae together in the spine, preventing the two fused vertebrae from moving separately. Fusion surgery can improve back pain, but the patient loses mobility in the part of the spine that is fused.
In addition to preserving the range of motion in the spine, a disc replacement procedure may also improve long-term surgical outcomes compared to traditional fusion procedures.
At OrthoNC, total disc replacements utilizing advanced devices like Mobi-C are among the highly specialized procedures we offer our patients to improve outcomes, preserve the range of motion, and restore the function that enables you to enjoy the greatest quality of life.
Mobi C Artificial Disc
New research studies by the North American Spine Society — the most respected international society of spine surgeons — have shown that when a person has a herniated disc in the neck, and traditional fusion surgery is performed, there is an increased incidence of herniation at an adjacent segment. For these people, the newest FDA-approved artificial discs for the cervical spine can be of great benefit. The downside of spinal fusion surgery is that locks two vertebrae in place. This in turn puts additional stress on discs above and below the affected area, which can lead to further disc herniation with the discs above and below the damaged disc. This process is called “adjacent segment disease” and it’s one of the main issues artificial discs were designed to address.
The benefit of an artificial disc is that it retains the natural rotation of the vertebrae in the neck, which would otherwise be locked together in a traditional spine fusion surgery. By preserving motion, this lessens the risk that other adjacent segments break down as well.
Dr. Adedayo Ashana is trained in the use of a variety of artificial discs for the neck, but he notes that the Mobi-C disc was the first disc approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use at two levels in the neck. This can be of great benefit to those people with degenerative discs at more than one level in the neck and would otherwise need a fusion at the other level.
OrthoNC offers comprehensive spine expertise
OrthoNC’s spine specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, non-surgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeon offers proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, make an appointment online, or call us at (919) 562-9410 to schedule a spine consultation.