Artificial Disc Replacement: The State-of-the-Art
Charles S. Theofilos, M.D.
Chief of Neurosurgery at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
Diplomate of the American Board of Neurosurgery
Charles S. Theofilos, M.D., P.A has been a leading advocate and worldwide educator in
the development, education and use of artificial disc technology in preserving spine motion for patients suffering from degenerative disc disease or traumatic injury. He is also an internationally-acclaimed lecturer and medical educator to other physicians who are seeking state-of-the-art knowledge and expertise in this new technology.
“I am thrilled to be part of such innovative new technology that may one day be to spine treatment what the artificial joint has become to hip and knee replacement,” says Theofilos of this promising new alternative to spinal fusion surgery for the treatment of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine, or the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc disease in the cervical spine. The leading devices currently in use, as well as those undergoing clinical evaluation and testing, include:
PRODISC®-L Total Disc Replacement
The FDA-approved PRODISC®-L is an artificial intervertebral disc made from metal and
plastic for the lumbar spine that is used to treat pain associated with degenerative disc
disease in cases where conservative treatments have failed. In the procedure, two
cobalt-chrome alloy endplates are anchored to the top and bottom surfaces of the spinal
vertebrae. A plastic inlay then fits between the two endplates to help restore the natural
distance between the two vertebrae.
PRODISC®-C Total Disc Replacement
The FDA-approved PRODISC®-C is an artificial intervertebral disc made from metal and
plastic for the cervical spine that is used to treat pain associated with degenerative disc
disease in cases where conservative treatments have failed. In the procedure, two
cobalt-chrome alloy endplates are anchored to the top and bottom surfaces of the spinal
vertebrae. A plastic inlay then fits between the two endplates to help restore the natural
distance between the two vertebrae.
Flexicore® Intervertebral Artificial Disc
Dr. Theofilos was one of 20 neurological and orthopedic surgeons from across the
country chosen to oversee an FDA-regulated clinical trial for the FlexiCore®
Intervertebral Disc, an all-metal prosthesis featuring a central ball and socket joint
designed to allow spinal bones in the lumbar region of the back to move naturally. The
trial studied the effectiveness of artificial disc replacement compared to that of spinal
fusion for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Its goal is to address spinal
problems while preserving motion in the spine, whereas spinal fusion seeks to eliminate
motion.
Cervicore® Intervertebral Artificial Disc
As with Flexicore®, the Cervicore® Artificial Disc was studied in clinical trials for the
treatment of cervical pain as an alternative to spinal fusion. The Cervicore® was
designed to alleviate pain and symptoms, restore mobility and improve function for
patients with degenerative disc disease or traumatic injury to the cervical area of the
spine.
Prestige® Cervical Disc
This is the first FDA-approved artificial disc replacement for the treatment of cervical
pain. Prior to the advent of Prestige®, patients were treated with traditional motion-limiting
spinal fusion in which the vertebrae are fused together, which gives the patient more
stability but causes stiffness and decreased mobility. In contrast, the Prestige® disc
replaces the patient’s damaged disc with an artificial implant, enabling natural motion in
the cervical joint in the spine.
As Chief of Neurosurgery at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida, Dr. Theofilos has enjoyed a distinguished career as a pioneer in developing
innovative surgical techniques and devices. During his tenure as Chairman of Neurosurgery
and Chairman of Cranial and Spinal Surgery at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Florida, he
made medical history performing his revolutionary BAK Interbody Fusion surgery live on the
internet, expanding the training paradigm hundreds of physicians who viewed this landmark
procedure. Dr. Theofilos is also among a field 20 top neuro and orthopedic surgeons
throughout the country chosen to participate in the ground breaking Flexicore™ Intervertebral
Artificial Disc study comparing the clinical outcome of disc replacement versus traditional
spinal fusion. He is a national instructor for the Spinevision C-3 Cervical Plate System and
Uni-T Lumbar Pedicle Screw System, which he helped develop, and a National Instructor for
the Spine-Tech BAK Systems and Sofamor-Danek Micro Endoscopic Discectomy Systems.
He was also a National Investigating site for the Synthes Syn-cage Interbody Fusion Cage.
Dr. Theofilos is a widely sought after educator and lecturer and a regularly featured guest
and medical commentator on all three major television networks for his expertise in state-ofthe-
art neurosurgical techniques.
