Cervical Artificial Disc Procedure

About Cervical Artificial Discs

Medtronic cervical artificial discs offer surgeons and their patients seeking relief from myelopathy or radiculopathy in the cervical spine an alternative to spinal fusion which is designed to maintain motion at the treated level.¹

Spinal fusion has long been the standard of care for degenerative disc treatment in the cervical spine. Many patients achieve good results with this procedure, but it also can reduce spinal motion and flexibility. Medtronic cervical artificial discs are designed to maintain motion (flexion/extension and anterior/posterior (AP) translation, lateral bending, and unconstrained axial rotation).

Medtronic artificial discs are designed to be inserted using an open, anterior approach into the intervertebral disc space following a single-level cervical discectomy. A variety of sizes are available to match patient anatomy.

Risks

Along with the benefits of this technology, there also are potential risks. Risks associated with the Prestige Cervical Disc include, but are not limited to:

• Early or late loosening of the components
• Component sizing issues
• Anatomical or technical difficulties
• Possible tissue reaction
• Formation of bone that may reduce spinal motion or result in a fusion, either at the treated level or adjacent levels
• The development of new radiculopathy, myelopathy, or pain

Medtronic cervical artificial discs should only be used by surgeons who are experienced in the surgical procedure and who have received adequate training with the device. A lack of adequate experience and/or training may result in a higher incidence of adverse events, which may require additional surgery for correction.

For complete information regarding indications for use, warnings, precautions, adverse events, and methods of use, please reference the device’s package insert and instructions for use, and the Indications, Safety, and Warnings link.

Patient Selection

Artificial disc surgery¹ with a Medtronic artificial disc may be an appropriate treatment option for patients:

• Who have been diagnosed with degenerative cervical disc disease (radiculopathy and/or myelopathy with evidence of disc herniation and/or bone spurs)
• Whose symptoms did not improve after conservative treatment measures, such as exercise, pain relievers, physical therapy and/or chiropractic care
• Who require treatment at only one cervical level
• Are at least 18 years of age with skeletal maturity
• Are not pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery