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®-L 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.