Orthofix M6-C Disc Replacement

 

There is exciting news for patients with cervical disc degeneration who don’t respond to more conservative treatments. A new artificial disc is available that can end excruciating neck and arm pain, restore disc height, and also preserve natural motion in the neck in a way that fusion surgery cannot.

Dr. Baig was the first spine surgeon in the southwest to perform disc replacement surgery using the revolutionary new Orthofix M6-C artificial disc. Details about that surgery can be found here.

What is different about the Orthofix M6-C Artificial Disc?

Artificial discs are man-made implants designed to replace spinal discs that have become damaged and are causing pain and other neurological symptoms.

The next-generation Orthofix M6-C artificial disc is one-of-a-kind in that it is constructed with a visco-elastic nucleus surrounded by a fiber annulus. These materials, unlike the typical metal and biopolymer used in most artificial discs, allow for a more natural range of motion in the neck.

In a press release, Orthofix announced FDA-approval of the medical device and stated that the implant’s “unique construct allows for shock absorption at the implanted level, as well as provides a controlled range of motion when the spine transitions in its combined complex movements.”

 

Benefits of Orthofix M6-C Disc Replacement over Fusion Surgery

Disc Replacement surgery with the Orthofix M6-C artificial disc is an alternative to traditional cervical spinal fusion surgery. Dr. Baig is thrilled to be the southwest’s first spine surgeon to perform cervical disc replacement surgery using the revolutionary Orthofix M6-C artificial disc.

Benefits of disc replacement surgery with the Orthofix M6-C artificial disc over traditional cervical spinal fusion surgery include:

• Preservation of natural neck motion. During fusion surgery, the vertebrae above and below the affected disc are fused together, limiting range of motion in the neck. The Orthofix M6-C artificial disc preserves the neck’s natural range of motion.
• No need for bone grafts. Since no bones are fused together, bone grafts are not necessary. Bone grafts lengthen the patient’s time under anesthesia and create more opportunities for complications during and after surgery.
• Shorter recovery time. Disc replacement surgery has a one week recovery time as compared with four to six weeks for spinal fusion surgery.
• Protection from further damage. Research on disc replacement surgery suggests that by maintaining normal spacing between vertebrae, the cervical spine is better protected from future degeneration.
• Better results. Studies have shown that patients who underwent Orthofix M6-C disc replacement surgery relied less on pain medications and needed fewer follow-up surgeries than those who underwent Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF).

 

Am I a candidate for Orthofix M6-C Disc Replacement?

Surgery is not a recommended first treatment option for disc degeneration in the cervical spine, however if more conservative measures have not significantly improved your neck pain, arm pain or other neurological symptoms, Dr. Baig may recommend disc replacement surgery.

Not everyone is a candidate for disc replacement surgery with the Orthofix M6-C artificial disc. Only a thorough examination by Dr. Baig will determine whether it is the right option for you.