Artificial Disc Replacement Specialist
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Grant D. Shifflett, M.D.
Spine Surgeon located in Marina Del Rey, CA & Newport Beach, CA
Spinal fusion surgery, which immobilizes your spine and causes further complications, used to be the only surgical option for chronic herniated discs. Now, spinal surgeon Grant D. Shifflett, MD, uses artificial disc replacement to reduce back pain while maintaining your normal range of motion. If you live in or near Marina del Rey or Newport Beach, California, and are looking for an alternative to a spinal fusion, call Dr. Shifflett’s office today. You can even book your initial consultation online.
Artificial Disc Replacement Q & A
What is an artificial disc replacement?
When Dr. Shifflett performs an artificial disc replacement, he removes your degenerated spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. This synthetic device mimics the job of your spinal disc to provide the necessary cushioning and spacing between your vertebrae.
Because these replacement discs simulate your spinal discs, the spines motion and flexibility remain intact. By contrast, traditional spinal fusions, which fuse two vertebrae together, prohibited joint mobility.
Artificial disc replacement reduces and sometimes eliminates back pain while improving spinal function.
What happens during an artificial disc replacement?
Disc replacement occurs under anesthesia and is a major surgery. To begin the procedure, Dr. Shifflett makes an incision in front of your spine, typically in your abdominal area. He moves your blood vessels and organs aside to access your spine.
After the spine is visible, he removes your damaged disc and replaces it with the artificial disc. The types of discs Dr. Shifflett uses don’t require a screw or rods; he only inserts the replacement disc. Once in place, he closes your incision.
The entire surgery typically takes two to three hours, and most patients spend at least one night in the hospital.
Why opt for the Mobi-C artificial disc?
In most cases, Dr. Shifflett opts for the Mobi-C implant. Made of three plates (a plastic insert sandwiched between two metal plates), the Mobi-C artificial disc moves with your vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments, and has no restrictive angles.
The Mobi-C can easily twist, slide left to right, and slide front to back, giving you a full range of motion (unlike spinal fusions). This artificial disc doesn’t restrict the movement of adjacent vertebrae and can even self-adjust.
What’s more, with this easily installed and pre-assembled implant, Dr. Shifflett can insert the Mobi-C in one step.
Compared with traditional spinal fusion, Mobi-C has the following benefits:
- Restores motion
- Maintains neck movements
- Remains inside the disc space
When you’re looking for an alternative to spinal fusion, consider an artificial disc replacement with an innovator in the field. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Shifflett today or book online.
