Cervical spine disc prosthesis
The implantation of a disc prosthesis is a globally recognised method for treating symptomatic degenerative disc disease. With the innovative viscoelastic disc prosthesis (VTDR) has been available for several years. Compared to other implants, it has the advantage that its design perfectly mimics the function of the natural intervertebral disc. Furthermore, extensive laboratory testing has proven that this prosthesis has a durability of at least 50 years. VTDR consists of two titanium end plates and an elastic core that is firmly welded to the end plates. The elastic polymer core allows free movement in all directions. It is capable of providing natural cushioning and load-bearing, with the material designed in such a way that the elastic core becomes stiffer and stronger as the pressure load increases.
This absorbs the strain on the spine in the same way as a natural intervertebral disc. In cases of chronic disc disease, conservative therapy should be attempted for at least three months beforehand. If this is unsuccessful or if uncontrollable pain or nerve disorders occur, health insurance companies in Switzerland will cover the cost of the operation, provided that no more than two discs are affected and there is no primary osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Surgery is also indicated for acute disc herniation with severe nerve disorders or paralysis. This is performed from the front through a small, approximately 2-3 cm long, transverse skin incision in a skin fold on the neck. The cervical spine can be accessed very gently on the right or left side of the trachea and oesophagus. In this way, the affected disc can be completely removed and the spinal canal and corresponding nerve roots can be relieved. The disc space is then expanded to its normal height using special instruments in order to decompress the nerve roots and create space for the prosthesis. After measuring the appropriate size and precisely preparing the implant bed, the implant is inserted under X-ray control. Example of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine and treatment with three viscoelastic disc prostheses
