Cervical Disc Replacement

Austin Fares, MD

Content Contributor

Evolution of Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement, also known as total disc arthroplasty or artificial disc replacement is a procedure where a damaged cervical disc is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic prosthetic between two vertebral levels. This technique has gained popularity in recent years as it is a safe and effective procedure at relieving cervical pain and/or compression on the spinal cord. Typically done through a cosmetically appealing incision in the front of the neck, this procedure preserves motion at the neck with less failure when compared to neck fusion procedures.

Technology Spotlight

Zimmer Biomet Mobi-C Cervical Disc Replacement

The Zimmer-Biomet Mobi-C Cervical Disc was designed as a cervical disc replacement prothesis for the treatment of multiple pathologies including cervical myelopathy. This technology was originally designed by a French surgeon and first implanted in France in 2004. The design of this component allows for restoration of vertebral motion and disc height.

The Mobi-C was the first cervical disc FDA approved for both one and two-level disc disease with some clinical data showing statistically superiority to fusion type procedures. In a surgery with the Mobi-C Cervical Disc, the unhealthy disc is removed, but instead of a bone spacer or plastic implant along with a plate and screws, a Mobi-C is implanted into the disc space. Where a fusion procedure is intended to eliminate motion at the affected levels, the goal of surgery with Mobi-C is to allow motion at those levels.