UA News

Three Tucsonans suffering from herniated cervical discs compressing nerve roots and, in one case, the spinal cord, have found relief following a new surgery at University Medical Center that replaces diseased cervical discs with an artificial implant.

Neurosurgeon Marco N. Marsella, assistant professor of clinical surgery at The University of Arizona department of surgery, has performed three surgeries recently at UMC using the first artificial cervical disc approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The surgical procedure – cervical disc arthroplasty – is a first in Southern Arizona. It offers patients an alternative to spinal fusion, which is the usual treatment for disc disease in the neck.

"What excites me the most about the PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc is that my patients now have the option to maintain full range of movement in their neck following removal of a diseased disc," Dr. Marsella said. "This artificial disc may revolutionize treatment options for surgical patients who normally would have only the option of a motion-restricting process of spinal fusion."

In recently completed U.S. clinical trials, patients who received the disc showed improved neurological success at 24 months and improved overall success. The completed clinical trial was the largest, prospective randomized controlled study of its kind in the cervical spine, enrolling a total of 541 patients.

"The fact that I have complete mobility now – that's a miracle," said Donna Cunningham of Tucson, who underwent the procedure on Oct. 10. A spinal cord injury due to an acute disc herniation had left her in pain and threatened to leave her with potentially more severe neurological deficits should there be further damage. "I now have complete mobility of the head and neck - no restrictions. And the device protects my spine from further injury."

Tucsonan Clay Patrick also is recovering at home from the same surgery. He had awakened from a normal night's sleep eight weeks ago with pain in his neck and shoulders as well as decreased strength and sensation of his right hand that continued to worsen to the point he no longer could work. The diagnosis: cervical disc herniation with severe nerve root compression. He considered spinal fusion but opted for this new technique when Dr. Marsella mentioned it. He called his results "super, super good."

Patients interested in making an appointment to see Dr. Marsella about the new procedure may call 520-694-8000.