This procedure replaces a diseased or damaged spinal disc with a specialized implant designed to preserve motion in the neck. This procedure can relieve the pain of pinched nerves in the cervical spine.
The surgeon creates a small incision in the front of the neck to gain access to the spine. The diseased disc is removed from between the vertebral bodies.
The surfaces of the vertebral bodies are cleared of all damaged disc tissue and shaped to accept the implant.
The Prestige® artificial disc is inserted into the space between the vertebrae and carefully secured into place with specialized screws. The implant is designed to preserve spinal motion and keep the cervical spine properly aligned.
The spinal fusion procedure uses a metal plate to connect the vertebrae above and below the removed disc, locking the vertebrae together and preventing movement.
The Prestige® artificial disc is designed to allow the treated vertebrae to glide and twist against each other, preserving motion in the neck.