What is the Prestige LP® Cervical Disc?
As both a neurosurgeon and neck surgeon, Dr. Braxton utilizes the Prestige LP® cervical disc replacement for patients suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease. The Prestige LP® cervical prosthetic is a disc designed for the cervical spine. This artificial disc is designed with two plates made from metals that are commonly used for medical procedures. Vanadium, titanium, and aluminum are used in the alloy. The disc includes a ceramic component made of titanium carbide. Dr. Braxton performs the procedures by removing the diseased disc and inserting the artificial Prestige LP® Cervical Disc in its place. The goal of the Prestige LP neck disc replacement is to decrease numbness, tingling, and pain. The goal of the Prestige LP® neck disc replacement is to decrease numbness, tingling, and pain. Patients are able to return to their preferred activities and lifestyle as quickly as possible.
What does the Prestige LP® Cervical Disc Treat?
The Prestige LP® neck disc replacement treats cervical degenerative disc disease. When non-surgical treatment options do not alleviate symptoms this procedure may be recommended. Factors that help determine if the patient is a candidate for this procedure include:
- Good spinal maturity and quality
- Arm tingling, pain, numbness or weakness
- Neck pain
- Myelopathy impacting walk
- Radiculopathy causing weakness through arm to hand
- Unsuccessful course of non-surgical treatments
A complete evaluation will be conducted to confirm evidence of:
- Herniation of disc through to the outer part of disc
- Bony growths
- Degeneration
- Decrease of comparative disc height
Patients with these conditions and symptoms are thoroughly evaluated to determine candidacy for disc replacement surgery and Dr. Braxton can perform the advanced Prestige LP® Cervical Disc implant procedure to decreased pain and a return to preferred activities and lifestyle as quickly as possible.
How is Prestige LP® Cervical Disc Replacement Performed?
The Prestige LP® Cervical Disc replacement surgery is performed in a similar manner as the anterior cervical disc and fusion procedure with the distinction that once the diseased disc is removed the Prestige LP® Cervical Disc is inserted into the empty disc space; this eliminates the need to used spacers made of bone or medical grade plastic as well as bracing, screws, and stabilizers around which the bone would fuse to stabilize the disc. The Prestige LP® Cervical Disc is designed to provide the optimal degree of normal cervical spine motion within the repaired level and between adjacent levels of the spine.
What is the Recovery Like After Neck Disc Replacement Surgery?
Dr. Braxton will provide the patient with a postoperative protocol. Patient compliance with the postoperative protocol is important for a successful recovery. This is a major surgery and normally requires a one day hospital stay. Typical post-surgery discomfort and a period of rehabilitation will include some of the following steps:
- Pain management with prescribed medications
- Nausea medication as needed
- Prescribed wound care possibly including drainage tube
- Program of gradual activity increase
- Use of neck collar for a period
- Minimal twisting, lifting, bending and athletic activities
- Attend scheduled office visits
- Begin physical therapy course as recommended
Contact Dr. Braxton right away with the following post-surgery symptoms:
- Temperature
- Blood flow from wound
- Appearance of infection at or near wound
- Difficulty breathing, urinating or swallowing
- New or worsening neck or arm weakness, numbness or pain