(Courtesy of CMD) In groundbreaking news, the Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders became the first practice in New Jersey to successfully surgically perform an M6 total disc cervical arthroplasty. Drs. Lewin and Vora, on September 10, were privileged to operate on a 32-year-old gentleman who was involved in a motor vehicle accident who had a C6-7 herniation pattern, with pain in the neck as well as in the arms. Given his young age, it was decided not to use a fusion-like device. The decision was made to use a mobile device, known as a total disc arthroplasty.
To review, there are typically two options for cervical surgery in this setting. One would be a fusion device, which represents approximately 85% to 95% of the cervical surgeries done in the United States. A more recent option over the last 10 years represents a cervical disc arthroplasty. Cervical disc arthroplasty differs from a fusion in that it does not hamper any motion within the cervical spine and, as well, is thought to lead to better results by delaying or obviating the need for additional surgery at additional discal levels with the passage of time.
Given this patient’s young age, the decision was made to opt for a total disc arthroplasty. The question as to which implant, of which there are several available in the United States, was considered. The decision was made to use the most recent addition to the cervical disc arthroplasty armamentarium by utilizing the Orthofix M6 implant, which has most recently come out of its FDA successful trial. The defining feature of this implant is that it acts to more reliably and anatomically reproduce the motion of the disc, with a nuclear-like center, which gives it the ability to move in six degrees of freedom, right, left, forward, and back, as well as rotationally. As well, the M6 allows the device itself to compress on itself, thus more accurately mimicking the patient’s native disc.
The surgery took place at 8 a.m. in Hudson Regional Hospital and was done by approximately 10:30. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with very minimal blood loss, and was discharged from the hospital the next day. To quote Dr. Jonathan Lewin, “We are thrilled at the successful implementation. Hudson Regional Hospital again has distinguished itself in the decision to make utilization of the most advanced and recent technology and we are glad to be a part of this groundbreaking event.”
Similarly, Dr. Vora, who assisted on the surgery, said, “This opens up a whole new frontier and we will, in all probability, see cervical disc arthroplasty gain more and more traction in the ensuing years.”
Anyone who feels they may benefit from this technology, who is having neck pain and/or arm tingling, should please contact the office for an appointment at 201-510-3777, or reach out to Eliana Kranz, community liason, at 201-800-2074 or [email protected].
Wishing you the best of health.
