artificial cervical disc

SNG doctors offer breakthrough surgical treatment for patients with degenerative cervical disc disease.

The artificial cervical disc was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in July of 2007. Sierra Neurosurgery Group physicians were among the first in Northern Nevada certified to use this breakthrough treatment option for patients with degenerative disc disease.

This surgical procedure provides an alternative to cervical fusion. Sierra Neurosurgery Group physicians Jay Morgan, Joseph Walker, David Leppla and Deven Khosla are all trained in the use of the PRESTIGE® artificial cervical disc produced by Medtronic. Dr. Morgan is also trained in the Prodisc-C from Synthes and Dr. Khosla is undergoing training. SNG physicians are not affiliated with either of these manufacturers.

The goals of artificial cervical disc surgery are to: 1) Remove the diseased disc; 2) Restore normal disc height; 3) Decrease discogenic neck pain and associated arm pain/weakness; 4) Preserve motion in the affected vertebral segment; and 5) Improve patient function. In comparison to spinal fusion surgery, potential benefits of artificial disc technology may include more spine mobility after surgery and less stress on adjacent discs.

Over its 30-year history, SNG has remained on the cutting of spine and brain treatments. With nine physicians in one practice, SNG is able to offer patients a tremendous range of surgical skills and depth of experience.