Spinal Disc Replacement at Tidewater Orthopaedics for Patients from Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and the Surrounding VA Areas

Spinal disc replacement is a surgical procedure designed to address neck or back pain that has not responded to conservative treatment. Similar to a knee or hip replacement, a disc replacement involves the surgical placement of a mechanical device – in this case, an artificial intervertebral disc. By replicating the function of a healthy disc, this device can help restore spinal flexibility and mobility that was lost due to disc degeneration.

As a result of recent advances in surgical techniques and instruments, highly invasive, open spinal disc replacement is no longer the only option for patients with severe or persistent neck or back pain. At Tidewater Orthopaedics – a subspecialty orthopaedic clinic serving all of Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and the surrounding Virginia areas – fellowship-trained (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) spine specialist Dr. Jonathan Mason performs innovative, minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery, which is a promising option for many patients.

As an orthopaedic spine surgeon, Dr. Mason is trained to perform complex procedures, such as spinal disc replacement via tiny, muscle-sparing incisions. Minimally invasive surgery can be advantageous for several reasons. For instance:

• The procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing a patient to return home on the same day as his or her surgery.
• Small incisions minimize the likelihood of excess blood loss, trauma to surrounding tissue, scarring, infections and other complications. They also help many patients avoid the long and difficult recovery associated with open neck and back surgeries.
• The healing process can take place at a patient’s home, amid familiar and comfortable surroundings, instead of in a hospital.

Prior to advising a patient to consider spinal disc replacement, Dr. Mason will identify and discuss all non-surgical alternatives that he believes might be effective strategies for addressing the patient’s neck or back pain stemming from a damaged intervertebral disc. For instance, many patients benefit from medications, such as anti-inflammatories or analgesics, as well as traction and hot/cold therapy. And, regardless of whether or not a patient has surgery, Dr. Mason works closely with Tidewater Orthopaedics’ comprehensive physical therapy clinic, located onsite in our Hampton Roads facility, which has highly experienced therapists who specialize in developing customized physical therapy programs for patients with spinal conditions.

Dr. Mason and the other orthopaedic subspecialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics are well-known and respected throughout the Hampton, Williamsburg, and Newport News, VA, area. To learn more about spinal disc replacement and the other treatments we offer, call (757) 276-3743.