Several disc replacement implants offer a good balance of motion and motion preservation, with the Prodisc L and Prodisc C being prominent examples. These implants are designed to mimic the natural movement of the spine while providing stability. The M6 disc replacement, now discontinued, also aims to replicate the structure and performance of a natural disc, offering improved safety and “Quality of Motion”, according to Spinal Kinetics.
Elaboration:
• Prodisc L (Lumbar):
This implant uses a ball and socket design with a fixed center of rotation, allowing for a natural range of motion while maintaining spinal stability. It’s designed to be an alternative to spinal fusion in the lumbar spine.
• Prodisc C (Cervical):
This implant is designed for the cervical spine and is a low-profile, mobile-core design that mimics the natural movement of the cervical disc.
• M6 Disc Replacement:
This implant incorporates an artificial nucleus for shock absorption and a woven fiber annulus for graded resistance in all directions, aiming to replicate the natural disc’s performance and function. Spinal Kinetics says that it offers improved safety and “Quality of Motion.”
• Motion Preservation:
Disc replacement, unlike spinal fusion, is designed to preserve spinal motion, allowing the spine to move as intended. This helps maintain flexibility and reduces the risk of degeneration in adjacent spinal segments.
• Spinal Fusion:
Spinal fusion, a common alternative, involves fusing the vertebrae together, which limits motion in the treated area.
Prodisc L and Prodisc C are designed to mimic the natural movement of the spine while maintaining stability, and the M6 disc replacement aims to replicate the structure and performance of a natural disc for improved safety and “Quality of Motion”. Disc replacement in general offers motion preservation compared to spinal fusion.
Orthofix is discontinuing its M6-C and M6-L total disc replacement devicesas part of its strategic focus on spinal fusion.
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/orthopedics/orthofix-discontinues-m6-discs/