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The
Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc
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The
Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc was approved
by the FDA on July 17th, 2007 |
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 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.
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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
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Exclusion
Criteria for the Prestige Artificial Cervical Disc: |
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Infection
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Local inflammation
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Segmental instability
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Morbid obesity
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Pregnancy
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Rapid joint disease: osteopenia
or osteoporosis
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Remaining general skeletal growth
(pediatric)
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Severe osteomalacia, or metabolic
bone disease
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Tumors or congenital abnormalities
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Fracture
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Patients frequently ask if their insurance
will cover the Prestige Total Disc Replacement surgery.
Although the Prestige Artificial 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 Shield 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 email us at eSpine1@aol.com for
more information.
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Related links:
Description
of the Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement surgery
An animation of the Prestige Total
Disc Replacement surgical procedure
Frequently Asked Questions about
the Prestige Disc
Examples of Prestige Total Disc
Replacement surgical cases by Dr. Pashman
Comparison of Artificial Cervical
Discs
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