What is the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc?
The Mobi-C® Cervical Disc is an artificial disc that is designed for a one or two level disc replacement. It is engineered with two outer metal plates and a plastic internal insert and is made of material frequently employed in spine surgery. The unique innovation of the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc is designed with teeth-like features on the top and bottom plates which eliminates the need to cut into the vertebral bone. The device is pressed into the bone to form the necessary connection to treat the cervical disorder. The plastic internal insert is rounded on top and flat on the bottom. This design facilitates natural cervical anatomy.
Am I a Candidate for Mobi-C® Cervical Disc?
As a neck surgeon, Dr. Braxton commonly uses the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc to treat patients who are suffering from degenerative disc disease. Dr. Braxton performs a detailed diagnosis to identify candidates for this procedure. Candidates will be evaluated for the following criteria:
- Optimal vertebral development, commonly within ages 21 – 67
- One or more damaged cervical disc from C3 – C7
- Arm pain, weakness or numbness from myelopathy or radiculopathy
- Diagnostic evidence including imagery of disc damage due to:
- Herniation – disc bulging
- Spondylosis – normal wear and tear
- Osteophytes – bony growth
- Comparative decreased disc height
- An adequate course of non-surgical treatments
- Worsening symptoms
The following patient conditions preclude candidacy for the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc procedure:
- An illness or an infection at the surgery location
- Metal or plastic allergies
- Traumatic damage to the spinal level as in an accident
- Deformity of the cervical vertebrae level
- Abnormal instability of the cervical spine
- Suboptimal bone health
- Severe degeneration of the facet joints
What is the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc Used to Treat?
The Mobi-C® Cervical Disc is used to treat a range of degenerative cervical spinal conditions. Disc degeneration can include cracks or tears in the outer banding of the disc or a loss of fluid to the inner nucleus. These abnormalities contribute to several possible conditions. The disc can bulge leading to herniation or the spinal canal can narrow compressing the nerve, often referred to as spinal stenosis. Spinal cord irritation, or myelopathy, can decrease sensation and limit movement. Nerve roots can be pinched causing tingling, pain or weakness down the arm into the hands, or radiculopathy. Dr. Braxton will recommend the Mobi-C® Cervical Disc advanced surgical treatment for patients seeking relief from these cervical conditions.
How is Mobi-C® Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery Performed?
Compared to fusion, the Mobi-C® Disc helps the neck maintain normal range of motion. During the procedure, the unhealthy disc is removed. Instead of a bone spacer or plastic implant along with a plate and screws that are used during a fusion, during this procedure the Mobi-C® is implanted into the disc space. Contrary to a fusion procedure which is intended to eliminate motion at the surgical levels, the goal of Mobi-C® is to allow motion at those levels.
What is the Recovery After Mobi-C® Cervical Disc Replacement?
Dr. Braxton will provide the patient with clear expectations, postoperative instructions, and a clear sense of the length of the recovery period. Recovery will take time and depends on overall health, age, and severity of the condition. Patient compliance following Dr. Braxton’s orders is important. These may include:
- One full night with hospital care
- Basic movement the first night including sitting, standing and walking
- Use of a neck collar the first week
- Pain and nausea medication as needed
- Follow up office visit which may include an x-ray of the device
- Timed incision dressing changes at home
- Timed return to normal neck movement at Dr. Braxton’s orders
- Following the prescribed physical therapy plan
At the front of the neck the short incision is usually difficult to see and usually heals readily with proper wound care. Bathing is preferred immediately following the procedure and Dr. Braxton will allow showering as soon as possible. Patients may resume driving once cleared and this time frame will vary by patient. He will evaluate readiness as quickly as possible.