The Brain and Spine Center of Texas offer conservative and surgical procedures to alleviate back problems. If you’re suffering from limited mobility or constant pain in your neck, back or lower back, you may need to have a worn cervical disc replaced with an artificial cervical disc.

Spine Center of Texas: Cervical Disc Replacement

Our board certified neurosurgeon, Dr. Rebecca Stachniak M.D, is on the teaching faculty at Medtronic, a company specializing in artificial discs. She’s worked as the primary investigator in many research projects using the Prestige® ST artificial disc and other advanced spinal repair techniques.

During a discectomy, a compromised cervical disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc to stop pain and restore mobility. A discectomy with artificial disc corrects disorders caused by degeneration of the cushioning discs between vertebrae. A discectomy is performed when physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments have failed.

Spine Center of Texas: Artificial Cervical Discs

 The doctor has a choice of five cervical discs to use during the operation. Each disc is made of a different material and has its own unique design. The Prestige® LP and Prestige® ST discs are two of the most popular artificial discs.

The Prestige cervical disc improves range of motion for patients with radiculopathy. Made of stainless steel, the Prestige disc’s ball and trough design mimics the motion of a healthy natural disc. When the discs separating your vertebrae rupture or deteriorate, it puts pressure on your spinal nerves, which causes pain and hinders motion.

Dr. Stachniak will determine which artificial disc is best for you, and explain how to handle recovery and “break in” your new disc once you return to normal activity. You’ll be under general anesthesia for the operation. The doctor makes an incision in the neck and separates the soft tissues. After spreading apart the vertebrae above and below the damaged disc with a retractor, the doctor removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one. The incision area is stitched closed, and recovery starts. It usually takes three months to heal, and you can begin light activity in 3-4 weeks. You may need physical therapy to help you regain flexibility in your neck.

The Brain and Spine Center of Texas offers the latest techniques in cervical, thoracic and lumbar surgery. Dr. Stachniak and her staff are committed to providing patients with the best, most technologically advanced care. Call us today at 972-943-9779 to schedule an appointment or use the contact form on our website.