Community

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 Memorial, performed the first implant of the M6-C artificial cervical disc 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.

Ronald McDonald Family Room opening at Midland Memorial Hospital

The newly built Ronald McDonald Family Room at Midland Memorial Hospital (MMH) will provide a respite inside the hospital for families of children undergoing medical treatment.

A ribbon-cutting will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 3, at 11:30 a.m., according to MMH. A public open house will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is located on the 4th floor of Midland Memorial Hospital, off the main lobby.

The family room is a partnership between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest (RMHC of the Southwest).

According to MMH, the room offers many of the comforts of home, such as a living room, kitchen and laundry facilities, to help alleviate the anxiety of being in a hospital envrionment. Any family who has a hospitalized child is welcome without charge.

“The Family Room will provide families a place to rest and regroup while remaining just steps away from their child,” said Emmanuel Ramirez, president & CEO of RMHC of the Southwest. “We are grateful to Midland Memorial Hospital and the Midland community for welcoming us. We are eager to work with MMH and the community to ensure families remain close together when their child needs medical care.”

Lori Dyess, director of Women’s and Children’s Services at MMH, said the hospital is thrilled to offer this resource.

“A comfortable place for families to gather close to their child while receiving medical care is irreplaceable,” Dyess said.