Orthopaedic Spine Surgery

Our spine specialists,  Robert Benz, MD and William Biggs, MD, have specialized (fellowship) training, board certification, and years of experience helping people with back pain, neck pain, and back and neck disorders.

Surgery usually involves removing or adjusting parts of your spinal anatomy that press against your spinal nerves, with a goal of relieving your symptoms. Most spinal surgery takes from one to five hours. Surgery is usually easier for patients who are in good physical condition before the procedure; your doctor may prescribe a pre-conditioning program as you prepare for surgery.

Other preparations include reduction of medications (talk with your doctor before altering any medications), donating your own blood for your operation, losing weight, and if you smoke, stopping or reducing the amount of smoking. Psychological health is also important; counselors or family members may be of help to you before and after surgery.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

We offer Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement for people with disabling low back pain. Patients who have been through an extensive rehabilitation program and still have disabling low back pain may qualify for this procedure.

Whereas most spinal surgery is performed on the back of the spine, the Artificial Lumbar Disc is inserted on the front side of the spine.

This technology offers a strong option for many patients compared to a lumbar fusion operation. Here are other potential advantages of Artificial Disc Replacement compared to fusion surgery:

• shorter hospitalization and recovery time
• less time to resume full activity
• restoration of spinal motion
• maintains the health of other discs in the spine and prevents their degeneration

We currently offer two FDA-approved artificial discs: the Synthes ProDisc-L and the Charite total lumbar disc replacement.

 Cervical Disc Replacement

Our surgeons are performing artificial cervical disc replacement surgery for selected patients. This operation may be a good alternative to cervical fusion for the treatment of disc herniation in the neck.

Disc replacement surgery generally results in the following benefits for patients compared to fusion surgery:

• quicker healing time
• faster return to activity
• lower risk of degeneration of adjacent discs in the spine

We are currently using the two FDA-approved cervical disc replacement implants: Synthes ProDisc-C and the Medtronic Prestige disc.

To schedule an appointment and evaluation from one of our spine specialists, please call 970-419-7050 or 800-722-7441.

Look at medical animations of the spine on the Conditions and Surgeries page on our web site.