The Prodisc-L total disc replacement has been determined to be safe and effective in the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the lower back. The Prodisc-L total disc replacement surgery is intended to:
– | Remove the diseased disc |
| – | Restore normal disc height |
| – | Significantly reduce discogenic pain |
| – | Preserve motion in affected vertebral segment |
| – | Improve patient function |
The ProDisc-L total disc replacement is clinically proven to maintain motion in the spine.
Design Philosophy
The Prodisc-L implant has been designed to maintain the physiological range of motion in the spine. The implant was developed using the clinically proven ball and socket concept used in joint replacement implants for over 40 years. The Prodisc-L implant is composed of three components – two cobalt chrome alloy (CoCrMo) endplates and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) inlay.
The key features of the Prodisc-L design philosophy are:
Ball and socket design
| – | Controlled and predictable motion |
| – | Secure fixation of polyethylene inlay with fixed center of rotation |
| – | Semi-constrained design based on ball and socket joint principle |
| – | Prevents pure anteroposterior shear to protect posterior structures |
Secure fixation
| – | Patented central keel and lateral spikes provide secure primary fixation |
| – | Plasma sprayed titanium coating promotes bony on growth. |
Modular implant components
| – | Different anatomical combinations facilitate an accurate match with the patient’s anatomy - Medium and large footprints - 10, 12 and 14 mm heights (posterior height) - 3°, 6°, 9° and 11º lordotic angles |
Safe and reproducible surgical technique
| – | Three-step implantation technique |
| – | Enables accurate sizing and placement of the implant |
Straightforward instrumentation
| – | Designed for midline anterior approach |
| – | Enables clear visualization into the disc space |
| – | Minimizes exposure and risk of damage to vascular structures |
Surgical Technique
Synthes has worked with leading spine surgeons from around the world to refine the Prodisc-L instrumentation and surgical technique to facilitate safe and reproducible implantation through a midline anterior approach.
The Prodisc-L surgical technique, instrumentation, and implant function as a unified system. The instrumentation has been engineered to enable precise placement and visualization of the implant. The trial and chisel size and placement correspond exactly to the final implant size and placement. All instrumentation is contained within the medial-lateral width of the implant, minimizing the size of the incision and amount of vascular retraction required for implantation.
