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The Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc

The Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc was approved by the FDA on July 17th, 2007

Patients who suffer from herniated cervical disc, ruptured disc, or degenerative disc disease, and have failed conservative therapy, often are treated with an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. An Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion has been the gold standard of treatment. For certain patients, with specific conditions, the Artificial Cervical Disc is now an option. The Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc has been rigorously tested in clinical trials, and was approved by the FDA for use.

The Artificial Cervical Disc is designed as a replacement for a damaged or diseased spinal disc. (see spinal anatomy), while maintaining a natural range of motion in the cervical spine. 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 surgical procedure is the same as the surgical procedure for an Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion. The components of the disc function like a joint, replicating the motion (yes and no motion) and natural curvature of the spine.

One of the goals of the Artificial Cervical Disc is to preserve natural motion of the cervical spine. As you can see in this x-ray, motion has been preserved.


movement of the normal spine	movement with the artificial cervical disc

Inclusion Criteria for the Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc:

Degenerative Disc Disease or Disc Herniation at C3, C4, C5, C6, or C7
Radicular symptoms in the arms corresponding with affected disc (tingling, numbness, shooting pain)
Neck Pain
Failed conservative therapy

Exclusion Criteria for the Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc:

Infection
Local inflammation
Segmental instability
Morbid obesity
Pregnancy
Rapid joint disease: osteopenia or osteoporosis
Remaining general skeletal growth (pediatric)
Severe osteomalacia, or metabolic bone disease
Tumors or congenital abnormalities
Fracture

Information about the surgical procedure for the Cervical Artificial Replacement Surgical procedure, click here. For an animation of the surgical procedure, click here. For Frequently Asked Questions about the Prestige Disc, click here.

Patients frequently ask if their insurance will cover the Prestige Total Disc Replacement surgery. Although the Prestige Artifical Disc is FDA approved, most insurance companies consider the Artificial Disc an investigational devise. Aetna will generally cover the procedure. Cigna, Tricare/TriWest, Workman's Comp, Writer's Guild will consider covering the procedure on a case by case basis. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California are not covering the procedure at this time. Here is a copy of the Blue Cross/Blue Shielf policy on Total Disc Replacement.

If the insurance company does not cover the procedure, a reduced cash price can be arranged with the surgeons and the hospital. A recent study indicates that the Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery is Cheaper than Fusion Surgery.

If you would like more information about the Prestige Artificial Disc, please call (310) 423-9986 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pashman or Dr. Paquette.

The information in eSpine.com is not intended as a substitute for medical advice but is to be used as an aid in understanding back pain and neck pain. Always consult your physician about your medical condition.All content and images © 1999-2008 eSpine, Inc.

Last modified: April 30th, 2008