Is the artificial disk like a total joint replacement?
a. They are similar. Both have metal surfaces separated by a high density plastic piece. The artificial disk is inserted in a degenerative disk space. This restores disk height, improves spinal motion, and should decrease pain. Cervical Disc Replacement This is an alternative to traditional discectomy and fusion of the cervical disc. STOSSA physicians have been trained to use the ProDisc from Synthes Company. Patient information about the ProDisc-Cervical Why May I Need Surgery? Your doctor has diagnosed you with Symptomatic Cervical Disc Disease (SCDD). Your doctor may call your condition a herniated disc, spondylosis or radiculopathy. Normally, the intervertebral disc between each pair of vertebrae provides the cushioning space that keeps the bones separated. Symptomatic Cervical Disc Disease (SCDD) can occur when the discs no longer work normally because of wear or from being injured. This can cause the vertebral bodies to compress or lose height, and they may press on the nerves or
