Artificial Disc Options

We specialize in complex neck surgery, motion preservation surgery and artificial disc replacement for the cervical spine

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, explains Sanjay Jatana, MD, a Colorado fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in neck surgery.

“The downside of spinal fusion surgery is that it locks two vertebrae in place,” Dr. Jatana notes. “This in turn puts additional stress on the discs above and below the affected area, which can lead to further disc herniation 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 discs might herniate as well.

Unlike most spine surgeons are limited by their training to a single artificial disc implant, Dr. Jatana is trained in the use five FDA approved artificial discs for the neck. Each disc has advantages and may better fit a patient. Some discs, for example, come in a smaller size for women and smaller men. 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 which in turn would restrict rotation.

Dr. Jatana also provides two other specialized neck surgeries that aren’t typically provided by other Colorado spine surgeons:

• Cervical Lamino-Foraminotomy
• Cervical Laminoplasty

 “Both of these surgeries are motion-preserving non-fusion neck surgeries,” explains Dr. Jatana. “These surgeries require specialized expertise in neck surgery because they involve a posterior approach (from the back of the neck), the use of tiny instruments and microsurgery. The benefit of these two surgeries is that they are minimally invasive, non-fusion, and motion preserving approaches that provide a faster return to activity.

Patients can request a second opinion appointment online or by calling 303-697-7463. 

We are proficient in several artificial disc implants for the neck

The benefit of an artificial disc is that it retains the natural rotation of the vertebrae in the neck and low back, which would otherwise be locked together in a traditional spinal fusion surgery. By preserving motion, this reduces the risk that other adjacent discs might herniate as well. 

Dr. Jatana focuses on neck surgery and is trained in the use of most of the FDA-approved artificial discs for the neck. Unlike other disc surgeons who typically emphasize only one disc, Dr. Jatana is trained and proficient in the use of five different FDA-approved artificial discs for the neck. 

For the neck, Dr. Jatana uses the Prodisc C, ProdiscSK, ProdiscVivo, Mobi-C and Prestige-LP. Each disc has its own advantages related to how they preserve the natural motion of the neck. 

Each patient is evaluated by Dr. Jatana to determine if their herniation is appropriate for an artificial disc, and then which artificial disc would be best for each person. There are many concerns as some discs come in different sizes to adjust for smaller frames, such as with women and smaller men.

Patients can get request an appointment online through this web site or by calling 303-697-7463. 

The 4 benefits of a 2nd opinion

Because spine surgery is a serious decision, it is a good idea to obtain a second opinion. A second opinion from Dr. Jatana can provide patients the following benefits:

• Determine if all possible treatment options have been considered and if there are any other nonsurgical options — such as spinal injections or physical therapy — that can relieve symptoms without the need for surgery.
• If spine surgery is necessary, what type of spine surgery should be performed. A complex fusion procedure may not be necessary.
• Is there a new artificial disc or implant technology that would provide a better outcome?
• Help determine if the patient is a candidate for minimally invasive spine procedure in outpatient surgery. This may allow the patient to be home later that same day, for a faster recovery and return to activity.