| Comparison of Cervical Artificial Discs |
| There are three cervical artificial discs
approved by the FDA. They are The
Prestige Artificial Disc, The Pro-C Artificial
Disc, and The Bryan
Cervical Disc. A comparison of these total disc
replacement devises is useful in understanding the advantages
and disadvantages of each design. |
| The basic premise of an artificial disc is that a motion
sparing devise (the disc) will maintain a natural range
of motion while protecting the adjacent disc from wearing
out.
The importance of the stabilization design differences
of the discs, becomes apparent when comparing to the
revision potential designs. |
 The
Bryan Disc: The Bryan design utilizes
precision cuts into the vertebrae similar to those
used in artificial knee replacement technology to create
a precise mating of the implant to its adjacent vertebrae.
In the Bryan design, removal of the implant will leave
normal vertebral anatomy allowing simple insertion
of a bone graft and plate during the revision operation.
In many cases this revision surgery can be done as
an outpatient procedure.
The Bryan Disc is only an option if the patient does not have cervical
kyphosis. (loss of the natural curvature of the neck). If kyphosis is present,
it is likely that this option will not relieve the patient's symptoms,
and the disc will be converted to a fusion down the road. |
 Prestige
Disc: In the Prestige Artificial Disc
design, stability is achieved through the use of screws
that attach the implant to the bone. The
Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc is constructed with
stainless steel, and has two articulating components
(a ball on top and a trough on the bottom) that are
inserted into the disc space and attached to the vertebral
bodies on either side. The components of the disc function
like a joint, replicating the motion (yes and no motion)
and natural curvature of the spine.
The Prestige Artificial Disc is an option for a patient who has a slight
loss of lordosis or mild adjacent segment degeneration.
|
 Prodisc
C: The Prodisc C design uses a center
keel to stabilize the implant into
the adjacent vertebra. The vertebra need to be
chisel cut or drilled to accept the keel.
This keel is cut into the vertebrae and displaces bone
upon insertion. The keel is a powerful stabilizer and
if the implant needs revision, the devise may be difficult
to remove. Since bone is lost during insertion of the
keel, a bony defect may be left after the implant is
removed making revision fusion a more extensive surgery
than designs where the keel is not used. |
Related Links:
Cervical Disc
Herniation
Prestige Artificial
Disc
Prestige
Artificial Disc Surgery
The Bryan
Disc
Prestige Artificial
Disc FAQ's
NeckPainExplained.com |
