Surgeons at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital now offer two innovative new procedures that can help patients facing spine surgery maintain their mobility.

Traditional spine surgery calls for removing the pain-causing disc and replacing it with plates, rods and screws. It also usually means taking bone from the hip and grafting it onto the spine. The part of the spine where the disc is removed is immobilized and that can put stress and wear on other areas of the vertebrae.

The Lumbar Total Disc Replacement
In July, Albert Lee, M.D., a board certified neurosurgeon with Tallahassee Neurological Clinic (TNC), performed a Lumbar Disc Replacement procedure at TMH marking the first time this procedure had been performed in Florida.

The Lumbar Total Disc Replacement procedure removes an unhealthy disc in the lumbar region of the spine and replaces it with an implant made of chrome metal and plastic. The implant uses a ball-and-socket design to preserve motion in the treated disc area.

Dr. Lee explains, "The Lumbar Total Disc Replacement is a cutting-edge approach to spinal surgery. It does not require a bone graft or fusion, thus preserving normal motion across the disc joint. This absorbs pressure, distributes load, and reduces degeneration of nearby spinal levels. Additionally, patients experience reduced pain and healing time."

Christopher Rumana, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon with TNC, is also trained in Lumbar Total Disc Replacement.

Cervical Disc Replacement
In October, Dr. Rumana performed the first spinal surgery at Tallahassee Memorial using an artificial Cervical Disc, a stainless steel surgical implant used to treat patients who suffer from Degenerative Disc Disease of the neck.

Dr. Rumana explains, "Traditionally, a procedure called an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) has been the gold standard for surgically treating Degenerative Disc Disease in the cervical spine. Many patients have achieved excellent results with ACDF; however, a potential disadvantage associated with spinal fusion is the loss of motion and flexibility in the treated vertebral segment. An artificial disc replacement offers the potential for preserved neck mobility at the treated vertebral level."

Thomas Park, M.D., a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with Tallahassee Orthopaedic Clinic is also trained in Cervical Disc Replacement. "The Cervical Disc is a stainless steel device with two articulating components (a ball on top and a trough on the bottom) that are inserted into the disc space and attached to the vertebral bodies on either side. These components function like a joint, replicating the physiological motion and alignment of a naturally functioning cervical spine," Dr. Park explains.

Dr. Lee of TNC is also trained in the Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure.

Talk to Your Doctor about Spine Surgery
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of these procedures with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate.

About Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a term used to describe normal changes in the spinal discs as people age. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Although DDD can take place throughout the spine, it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).

When discs in the vertebrae no longer function normally because of wear or from being injured, it can cause pain, limiting an individual's ability to perform daily activities. Surgery is an option for DDD and may provide relief.