Prodisc C Vivo is a cervical artificial disc implant used in cervical total disc replacement (TDR) surgery. It is designed to treat degenerative disc disease in the neck (C3 - C7) by replacing a damaged disc while preserving motion in the spine.
Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together, disc replacement implants such as prodisc C Vivo are intended to maintain natural movement in the cervical spine and potentially reduce stress on adjacent levels.
What the Prodisc C Vivo Does
During surgery, the diseased cervical disc is removed and replaced with the prodisc C Vivo implant. The device restores disc height, stability, and motion, helping relieve nerve compression and neck or arm pain caused by disc degeneration.
The implant is typically used after an anterior cervical discectomy procedure and can be placed at one or two adjacent cervical levels.
Key Design Features of Prodisc C Vivo
The implant incorporates several design elements to improve stability and motion:
- Anatomically shaped superior endplate that better matches natural vertebral anatomy.
- Lateral spikes or fixation features to provide immediate stability after implantation.
- Ball-and-socket articulation allowing controlled movement similar to a natural disc.
- Trapezoidal footprint to optimize positioning in the vertebral body.
The device is made of titanium alloy endplates, cobalt-chrome components, and a polyethylene core, materials commonly used in joint implants.
Potential Advantages of Prodisc C Vivo
Compared with cervical fusion, artificial disc replacement using prodisc C Vivo may offer:
- Preservation of neck motion
- Reduced adjacent segment degeneration
- Faster recovery for some patients
- Maintenance of more natural spinal biomechanics
Disease Overview
Disc degeneration reduces the height of the disc and may cause a Herniated disc. The vertebrae of the backbone are cushioned by intervertebral discs that act as shock-absorbers and allow frictionless movement of your back. It is made up of a soft gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus that is surrounded by a tough outer ring of annulus fibrosus. A herniated disc is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus bulges out through the damaged or broken annulus fibrosus. Herniated disc is also called bulging disc, ruptured disc or slipped disc. Disc herniation causes compression of the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves. Spinal cord compression can cause pain in the arm and legs. In rare cases, it can lead to permanent damage and even paralysis.
What is Cervical Disc Replacement?
The cervical spine is located in the neck region and consists of seven bones arranged one on top of the other. Cushioning tissue called vertebral discs located between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers, allowing easy movement of the neck. Wear and tear and advancing age can damage these discs, leading to pain and disability. Artificial cervical disc replacement surgery is a procedure where the damaged intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. The surgery relieves neck pain as well as restores the normal range of motion of the neck.
What are the Indications and Contraindications?
Cervical disc replacement surgery is an alternative to the traditional cervical spine fusion surgery, which involves the permanent fusion of two vertebral bodies, eliminating movement between them. Artificial cervical disc replacement is usually indicated when conservative treatments do not help relieve the following:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Pain, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs
- Difficulty in walking
- Headache
Contraindications
Artificial cervical disc replacement is contraindicated in the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, morbid obesity, significant osteoporosis or an active malignancy, insulin-dependent diabetes and allergies to stainless steel.
Procedure Of Cervical Disc Replacement
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is guided with the help of X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy). You will lie face up on the operating table. Your surgeon approaches the cervical spine from the front or side of your neck through a small incision. The important structures in your neck are gently moved to the side to access the cervical spine. The damaged disc along with any loose disc fragments or bone spurs are identified and removed. The artificial disc device is sized and placed in the prepared disc space, restoring its normal height and relieving any pressure over the spinal nerves. The incisions are closed and covered with a dressing.
Following surgery, your neck may be immobilized in a collar. You will need to keep the incision area clean and dry. Refrain from hot tubs, swimming, heavy lifting, driving and smoking. You can initiate physical therapy as directed by your surgeon. Take medications as recommended by your doctor. Arrange for a follow-up appointment with your doctor. You may be able to resume light activities in a week or two and complete normal activities in six weeks.
Risks and Complications of Cervical Disc Replacement
The potential risks associated with artificial disc replacement surgery may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, change in your voice, leakage of spinal fluid, or a break or loosening of the prosthesis, requiring further surgery. Call your doctor if the incision site shows signs of infection such as pain, redness, swelling, or change in the quantity and smell of the drainage, or if you develop a fever over 101° F.
Advantages of Cervical Disc Replacement
The advantages of artificial cervical disc replacement include:
- Maintains normal neck movement
- Lowers the risk of degeneration of adjacent segments
- Does not require a bone graft
- Allows early neck motion after surgery
- Faster return to daily activities
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