Surgery to correct a herniated disc usually leaves people with less mobility than before. But that's changing, thanks to a revolutionary device called Prestige.

When Jill Mc-Carty had a twinge in her neck, she had no idea it was a herniated disc. The pain persisted, so she came to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for help. Normally, surgeons would have removed the damaged disc and replaced it with bone, reducing the range of motion in Jill's neck and back.

But instead, University of Iowa neurosurgeons suggested a different approach: a new artificial cervical disc called Prestige.

"It allows you to have a freer range of motion than if you have the traditional procedure, which fuses your vertebrae together - and that definitely interests me because it would be more normal," says McCarty.

Vincent Traynelis, M.D., UI neurosurgeon, performed surgery to implant the artificial disc. It closely matches the function of a normal spinal disc.

This animation shows how the two mechanical components act as a pivot point, allowing the spine to maintain a more normal range of motion.

The results were dramatic for Jill. "It's definitely made an improvement for me. I wouldn't have been back to work and doing my normal lifestyle as quickly had i turned down the opportunity and gone with the traditional procedure."

"Jill has had an excellent outcome. She rapidly returned to her normal activities. The pain that she experienced due to her disc rupture has been completely alleviated, and she is really enjoying life now in a way that she couldn't prior to the surgery," says Traynelis.

Jill returned to work a short time after surgery. She's excited about the results and glad she learned about the new device.

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