Midland Memorial surgeon performs innovative implant on patient with cervical disc degeneration

An innovative technology has arrived in Midland that aims to bring relief to those suffering from cervical disc degeneration, which results in chronic pain of the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, according to Midland Health.

On Thursday, May 11, Dr. Alim Ladha, neurological surgeon and new surgery chair at Midland Memorial, performed the first implant of the M6-C artificial cervical disc on a patient in Midland.

The M6-C was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is considered an innovative option for patients needing artificial disc replacement as an alternative to cervical spinal fusion. Artificial disc replacement provides a patient with greater range of motion than those who receive a spinal fusion.

According to Midland Health, the M6-C features a “shock-absorbing nucleus and fiber annulus that work together to mimic the anatomic structure of a natural disc.”

“The M6-C device is the only artificial cervical disc available in the U.S. that enables compression or ‘shock absorption’ at the implanted level,” hospital officials said. “The disc also provides a controlled range of motion when the spine transitions in its combined complex movements providing physiologic motion.”

Ninety-three percent of patients surveyed about the procedure reported they would have the surgery again, while 92 percent said they were satisfied with their surgery and 90 percent reported improvement in neck pain compared to alternative procedures, which resulted in 77.9 percent improvement in pain, according to Midland Health.

More information can be found at M6disc.com.