The GW Spine Center was the first nonmilitary hospital in the DC area to offer total cervical disc replacement to the public. Cervical disc replacement offers an alternative to spinal fusion for patients suffering from the symptoms of degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine. Individuals suffering arm pain or weakness caused by DDD may be candidates for cervical disc replacement.

The Prestige ST Cervical Disc System is used to replace damaged discs with an artificial disc designed to maintain motion and flexibility at the treated level. This prosthetic disc is constructed of stainless steel in a unique, two-component configuration. The two-piece ball-and-trough design allows for the motions of a natural intervertebral disc: flexion, extension, side bending and rotation.

Cervical disc replacement surgery involves replacing a diseased or damaged disc with the prosthetic disc. The two components are placed in the disc space between the vertebrae and attached to vertebral bodies on either side. The Prestige ST Cervical Disc System is available in a variety of sizes, allowing for close matching to a patient's anatomy.