The ProDisc-L total disc replacement has been determined to be safe and effective in the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one level from L3 to S1. The ProDisc-L total disc replacement surgery is intended to:
- Remove the diseased disc
- Restore disc normal height
- Reduce discogenic pain
- Provide the potential to preserve motion in the affected vertebral segment
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
- Semi-constrained design with locked polyethylene inlay
- Fixed center-of-rotation
- Prevents pure anteroposterior shear to protect posterior anatomical structures
Secure fixation
- Patented central keel and lateral spikes provide secure primary fixation
- Plasma-sprayed titanium coating on bone contacting surfaces promotes integration
Modular implant components
- 12 anatomical combinations facilitate an accurate match with the patient’s anatomy
- Medium and large footprints
- 10, 12 and 14 mm heights
- 6° and 11º lordotic angles
Safe and reproducible surgical technique
- Three step implantation technique
- Enables accurate sizing and placement of the implant
Streamlined instrumentation
- Designed for midline, mini-open 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 in order to facilitate safe and reproducible implantation through a midline, mini-open anterior approach.
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.