 Diagnosis |
|
|
|
Therapy |
|
|
|
Service |
|
|
|
Rehabilitation |
|
|
|
Golfer's Corner |
|
|
|
|
 Cervical Disc Prosthesis |
Runaway success: The cervical disc prosthesis captures spine surgeons worldwide
Diagnosis: Cervical disc degeneration
Therapy: Cervical disc prosthesis
Endless hours at the computer as well as whiplash-injuries have caused a worldwide increase of degenerative processes of the neck. Initial neck-pain can be well managed with manual therapy or physiotherapy and an aimed strengthening therapy (like MedX, Kieser and FPZ) can even avoid further progression of degeneration.
However, if the increasing neck-pains and headaches can not be relieved by conservative therapy alone, the cervical disc prosthesis operation is the best surgical solution, avoiding fusion of the cervical vertebrae along with all corresponding disadvantages. This relatively new technique has established itself as a real runaway success due to its safe and easy handling and the many advantages for the patients; it has in many places replaced the classical fusion operation.
Diagnostics / Indication
In general, degenerative disc diseases of the cervical spine cause strong, constant neck- and head aches and can be visualized with radiology such as MRI and X-ray. A discography can further verify the degenerated level.
The prosthesis
After we have successfully applied a number of different cervical disc prostheses, we have settled for the LDR disc prosthesis. Developed by an international team of spine-specialists, this device is available in a wide range of sizes and allows the patient a non-constricted range of motion paired with dependable stability.
|
|
|
LDR - Cervical disc prostehsis |
|
|
|
|
|
LDR - Cervical disc prostehsis |
|
|
|
|
The technique
 |
|
The vertebral column lies directly below the skin in the neck region and can be palpated from the front/side of the neck |
|
A disc prosthesis is an intervertebral (between the vertebrae) disc-nucleus replacement, developed to enable normal, healthy ranges of motion. The vertebral column in the neck region lies directly underneath the skin and can be palpated with a finger lateral/under the larynx. The prosthesis is inserted via a small cut in the neck, after the remains of the degenerated disc have been removed. The spinal cord is not affected by the procedure, as it is performed from the front. In Dr. Hoogland´s view this is the most gentile and elegant spinal procedure he has ever performed.
The operation is conducted in general anaesthesia and takes around 2 hours. The patient can walk freely merely two hours after surgery and can be released from the clinic 2 days later. A postoperative neck collar should be worn for 6 weeks, however the patient can steer a car one week after the operation and return to work (office labour) just two weeks after the cervical disc replacement.
Dr. Thomas Hoogland and Drs. Willem Zeegers perform this type of surgery.
|
|
The advantages A natural mobility of the spine is maintained
A natural intervertebral height is restored
A degeneration of the adjacent levels is prevented
NO bone-transplant necessary
Fast, direct mobilisation of the patient
Fast rehabilitation
The success rate
Although this type of surgery has merely been applied for around 3,5 years, the international success rate is already as high as 85 – 90 % with a very low complication rate. The success and low complication rate of the neck prosthesis is the reason why the conventional alternatives, such as fusion with plates, bone-span or cages become more and more obsolete.
General pre-operative instructions
Previous theme: Degeneration/ Artificial Disc
Next theme: Chronic backpain
|
|
|
| © 2001-2008 Alpha-Klinik GmbH. Imprint |
|
Alpha Klinik Homepage