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Virella Spine Surgery
Dr. Anthony Virella, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Neurological Spine Surgeon

Artificial Disc Replacement

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Dr. Virella is a Board Certified Minimally Invasive Neurosurgeon
Agoura Hills - Los Angeles County - Ventura County - Orange County - San Diego County - San Fernando Valley - San Leandro - Bakersfield - Van Nuys
(805) 449-0088

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Specializing in Artificial Disc Replacement


What is Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery?


Artificial disc replacement surgery is a new type of spine surgery. It is used to treat a diseased or damaged disc that causes pain and limits movement. Unlike a spinal fusion procedure, a disc replacement preserves motion. In some cases, a disc replacement may be performed on a vertebra above or below vertebrae that have been previously fused. Dr. Virella performs a cervical or lumbar artificial disc replacement using the following steps: Patients experience symptom relief and are able to move without pain after their procedure. Dr. Virella has provided countless patients with a treatment solution using disc replacement surgery.

M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement


Dr. Virella is always at the forefront of the latest surgical technologies and procedures to treat cervical disc problems leading to neck and arm pain.

The most innovative technique for reducing pain due to cervical disc disease or damage is the M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement. This minimally invasive, non-fusion procedure replaces the damaged or degenerated cervical disc with an artificial disc designed to mimic the natural structural and movement of the upper spine.

Here's what to know about M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement performed by Dr. Virella.

Benefits of M6-C Artificial Disc Replacement
Benefits of M6-C Artificial Disc Replacement
The benefits of an M6-C Artificial Disc Replacement for appropriate patients include: Clinical studies have shown superior long-term success of M6-C Artificial Disc replacement outcomes compared to patients who undergo other fusion procedures such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

M6-C Artificial Disc Components

The M6-C Artificial Disc is unique. It is the only artificial disc to include a shock-absorbing nucleus and fiber annulus that mimic the cushioning and range of motion a healthy, natural cervical disc provides. In other words, this state-of-the-art artificial disc is specifically designed to minimize stress on vertebral structures and adjacent discs by allowing your spine to move naturally.



The M6-C Artificial Disc has four components which allow it to mimic the natural movement of your spine:

Artificial Nucleus: The center portion of your body's own natural discs is known as the nucleus pulposus. It is a gel-like elastic substance responsible for absorbing and transferring stress and weight between vertebrae. In the M6-C Artificial disc, the nucleus is made of viscoelastic polymer, providing absorption and elasticity that mirrors that of a natural vertebral disc.
Artificial Annulus: In a natural cervical disc, the annulus fibrosis can be compared to a tire. It securely encases the elastic gel-like nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosis is responsible for enhancing your spine's rotational stability, and stress absorption. In the M6-C Artificial Disc, the artificial annulus is made of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber matrix to keep the nucleus secure while allowing for controlled motion and rotation.
Artificial Disc
Sheath & Endplates: Titanium alloy endplates coated with titanium plasma spray allow for secure fixation and long-term stability while promoting bone growth. The viscoelastic polymer sheath is used to protect annulus and the nucleus.

M6-C Artificial Disc Replacement Procedure in Los Angeles

Using specialized instruments, during an M6-C Artificial Disc Replacement, Dr. Virella will make a small incision in the front of the neck. During this minimally invasive procedure the damaged, herniated, or ruptured disc will be removed, alleviating the pressure on the nerves responsible for pain.

The M6-C Artificial Disc will be placed into the same space, maintaining disc space height, before closing the incision.

The M6-C Artificial Disc will be placed into the same space, maintaining disc space height, before closing the incision.
Following the surgery, it is normal to feel a bit of discomfort. However, you will likely be discharged the same day, or the next day following the procedure. You will be provided with post-surgery instructions, which need to be carefully followed, for an optimal outcome. You should expect to restrict certain activities and movements for a couple of weeks before gradually resuming normal activities.

Dr. Virella will monitor your progress and recovery will regular follow up appointments, as you heal. Within a few to six weeks, you should be well on your way to reduced pain and enhanced range of motion.

What Conditions does Disc Replacement Surgery Treat?


Disc replacement surgery is used to treat spine conditions that cause extremity pain (with or without spine pain) and limit motion. The following conditions are the most common: These conditions can affect both the cervical and lumbar spine. Patients who are experiencing symptoms should make an appointment with an artificial disc replacement doctor/surgeon. Patients who make an appointment with Dr. Virella will receive an accurate diagnosis and learn about all of their disc replacement treatment/procedure options.

If you are ready to find a solution to your back, neck or spine condition contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Virella. With three convenient locations in Agoura Hills, CA, Valencia, CA, and Palmdale, CA, making an appointment is easier than ever.



Anthony Virella, MD

Anthony Virella, MD


Anthony Virella, MD is a Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Neurological Spine Surgeon with advanced training in the management spinal disorders. He is also a graduate of the UCLA Neurosurgery Residency Program and completed his Complex Spine Resident Fellowship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Additional work included a second Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center. Dr. Virella is a nationally recognized spine specialist and has authored numerous articles and lectured nationally and internationally in the field of Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.
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Board Certified Neurosurgeon, Dr. Anthony Virella, is a pioneer in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery specializing in Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Procedures. If surgery is recommended, Dr. Virella specializes in minimally invasive procedures that often require an incision of only an inch or less.

Nervous or Apprehensive about taking the first step?

People all over the world delay their treatments due to long-term anxieties and fears surrounding spine surgery and treatments in general. Our practice has worked with many patients over the years and we understand these valid concerns.

Read: A Letter To Patients From Dr. Virella

Relieving your pain should not be a cause for anxiety, and we take every step possible to make sure our patients are comfortable, secure and relaxed from their first visit to their last. Remember, there is nothing scary about taking back control of your life and relieving your pain. Our practice is highly organized and provides step-by-step guided help the entire way to keep you relaxed with your focus where it should be - on you.

You've already taken the first step by searching for the right doctor and can soon be on a path to a pain-free life. Call our practice today (805-449-0088) or request a callback to come and visit with me. We will sit down together and discuss your concerns. Then, I will provide you with a thorough analysis and review of a suggested care path and treatment options.

I pride myself in being extremely attentive to my patients, using extreme caution and putting to work my experience (of nearly two decades) in conservative treatments and minimally invasive procedures that have given thousands of patient their lives back. I have spent my life designing a new approach to spine treatments that reduce any anxieties of my patients by providing them with a comprehensive strategy that makes sense and is proven.

Don't let your pain get worse by delaying getting the help you need. Neglecting needed treatment will (almost certainly) make your situation worse. We hope you decide to take control of your pain and your life. We welcome and look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to shares our skills and successes with you. Thank you for taking the time to read and we hope to see you soon.

- ANTHONY A. VIRELLA M.D., F.A.C.S
Less Than 1 Inch Incision
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About Dr. Virella

  • Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
  • Fellowship Trained
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques

Locations

  • Agoura Hills
  • Los Angeles County
  • Ventura County
  • Orange County
  • San Diego County
  • San Fernando Valley
  • San Leandro
  • Bakersfield
  • Van Nuys
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(805) 449-0088


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