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Advanced Spinal Reconstruction Procedure Now Available in The Northland

August 16, 2023

Dr. Matthew T. Davies, a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Neurosurgeon recently performed the first Multi-Level Lumbar Disc Replacement in The Northland using Centinel Spine’s prodisc® L Total Disc Replacement (TDR) technology.  The prodisc® L system is the only total disc replacement device in the U.S. approved for two-level use in the lumbar spine. 

Whereas lumbar disc replacement was previously only FDA approved for single-level problems, Centinel Spine’s clinically proven prodisc® L Total Disc Replacement (TDR) technology received FDA approval for two-level implantation in 2020.  Many patients who previously were not candidates will now have access to this life-changing procedure.  Lumbar Total Disc Replacement offers a surgical alternative to spinal fusions in the lumbar spine and works to relieve pain in patients suffering from degenerated spinal discs, while maintaining motion over the long term at the diseased spinal segment, and reducing adjacent-level degeneration and re-operations.

The prodisc® L TDR is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery. It enables motion within the spine— rather than fusing the motion segments together, which can result in a decrease in mobility. Even in the short- to medium-term, a comparative five-year study showed a three times lower likelihood of adjacent level degeneration in those patients receiving the prodisc® L total disc replacement versus those who received a fusion². (Adjacent-level degeneration was characterized by a composite score including disc height loss, endplate sclerosis, osteophytes, and spondylolisthesis.)

As spine treatments continue to advance through innovative technologies and motion preserving techniques, patients are seeking out alternatives to fusions.  “With newly approved two-level use for prodisc L, more of my patients will be able to benefit from disc replacement technology, which enables motion in the diseased segment of the spine,” stated Dr. Davies. “Using a minimally-invasive anterior approach, my patients also benefit from a much faster recovery and return to active life, while decreasing the likelihood of adjacent level degeneration.”

Dr. Davies went on to say, “Most people over the age of 40 have some degree of degeneration in their spine—it is just a part of the aging process. Many younger patients have pain due to back injury.  For those patients who don’t respond to non-surgical means of managing their pain, disc replacement surgery can be a successful option.” 

The prodisc® L system received one-level FDA approval in 2006 and since 2020 is the only total disc replacement device in the U.S. approved for two-level use in the lumbar spine. Recent expanded insurance coverage for lumbar TDR with the prodisc® L device has contributed even more to my patient’s ability to have this procedure.

For today’s patient looking forward to a speedy recovery to an active life-style, prodisc® L is a powerful treatment option worthy of consideration for appropriate patients.  For more information about Total Disc Replacement or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew T. Davies, please visit: www.OADuluth.com  or call 218-722-5513.

 

About Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Matthew T. Davies: 

Dr. Davies earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine while earning AOA honors. He then completed his neurological surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX, and also trained at Parkland Hospital, UTSW, the North Texas VA, and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. He went on to complete his fellowship training in spinal oncology and spinal deformity, as well as receiving additional training and certification in SI joint fusion.  Dr. Davies sees patients at our Duluth and Hibbing Clinics and Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Serving the Northland since 1969, Orthopaedic Associates is the go-to team for orthopaedic and sports medicine health care. From diagnosis to recovery, they offer a complete range of treatment and rehabilitation services to help get you back to living an independent and mobile lifestyle…faster and without pain.

Their main office is in Duluth, with an additional clinic in Hibbing. Orthopaedic Associates Therapy is located in both their main office and Hermantown location. Their physicians are also available and practice at a number of established clinics, medical centers and hospitals throughout northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin making Orthopaedic Associates ready, able and available to serve you. For more information about Orthopaedic Associates, to make an appointment, or ask questions about whether a referral is needed, please give us a call at (218) 722-5513 or (800) 225-1321.

 

About Centinel Spine, LLC:

Centinel Spine^®, LLC is a leading global medical device company addressing cervical and lumbar spinal disease through anterior surgical access. The company offers a continuum of trusted, brand-name, motion-preserving and fusion solutions backed by over 30 years of clinical success—providing the most robust and clinically-proven technology platforms in the world for total disc replacement (prodisc®) and Integrated Interbody^™ fusion (STALIF®).

Centinel Spine continues to advance its pioneering culture and corporate mission to become a catalyst of change in the spine industry and alter the way spine surgery is perceived. Centinel Spine remains the only company with comprehensive motion-preserving and fusion solutions for both cervical and lumbar anterior column reconstruction.

For more information on Centinel Spine products and technologies, please visit the company’s website at www.CentinelSpine.com and connect on Twitter and Facebook.