Intervertebral disc prosthesis cervical spine

The implantation of a disc prosthesis is a globally accepted method for the treatment of symptomatic degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs. The novel viscoelastic disc prosthesis (VTDR) has been available for several years, an implant which, contrary to other implants, has the advantage that its construction ideally imitates the function of the natural intervertebral disc. Moreover, extensive laboratory tests have proven that this prosthesis will last for at least 50 years. The viscoelastic disc prosthesis consists of two titanium end plates and an elastic core, which is firmly welded to the end plates. The elastic polymeric core allows free mobility in all directions. It is able to assume natural cushioning and absorb pressure. The material is designed so that heavier pressure or strain makes the elastic core stiffer and stronger.  In this way, pressure on the spine is absorbed in the same way as by a natural disc. With chronic disc disease, at least three months of conservative therapy should be tried beforehand. If this is unsuccessful, or if uncontrollable pain or nerve disorders arise, health insurance firms in Switzerland will cover the costs of the operation, providing that no more than two discs are affected and there is no primary osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Acute cases of disc prolapse with severe nerve damage or paralysis are also indications for surgery. This is performed from the front with a small transverse incision of about 2-3 cm in a skin fold on the neck. The cervical spine can be reached very gently from the right or left side of the trachea and esophagus. In this way the affected intervertebral disc can be completely removed and the spinal canal and the corresponding nerve roots relieved. The disc space is then expanded to its normal height with special instruments to decompress the nerve roots and create space for the prosthesis. After measuring the correct size and precise preparation of the implant bed, the implant is inserted using x-ray monitoring. Here is an example of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and the insertion of three visco-elastic intervertebral disc prostheses.

Radiographs:

pre-surgery side view                                         post-surgery side view

pre-surgery front view                                             post-surgery front view