A better neck operation- hybrid cervical arthroplasty!

Major advances in spinal health care are creating improved outcomes for patients. Fortunately modern spinal surgery allows patients to get back to full and active lives. I know since I have personally benefitted from one of these advances. Atificial cervical disc replacements allow for elimination of nerve compression and preservation of motion while eliminating arthritic pain sources. One artificial disc replacement is nice, but the true benefit comes when multiple levels are treated with arthroplasty rather than fusion or a hybrid arthroplasty-fusion construct is performed. In my own case I had 2 artificial discs placed and one level fused. The worst level required fusion while the other 2 levels were not as severely degenerated and therefore artificial discs were implanted. This maintained the maximum normal motion in my neck and enabled me to continue my career as a spinal surgeon. I have performed many hybrid fusion-arthroplasty operations on my patients with great success and much happiness on their behalf. Not only do I preach and practice this great advance, but I believe so much in it that I had this operation performed on me by my partners. For the right patient this is a true advancement.

Thomas C. Schuler, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Spinal Surgeon

CEO The Virginia Spine Institute