Unfortunately, The Bonati Spine Institute is not a Medicare / Medicaid Provider at this time.



Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Degenerative Disc Disease is a common disorder of the spine. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) refers to a syndrome in which a deteriorating intervertebral disc causes chronic pain. There are three types of DDD:

  • Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease

Causes

Long before degenerative disc disease can be seen on an MRI, biochemical changes associated with osteoarthritis may have occurred. Over time, the collagen structure of the outer wall of the intervertebral disc weakens and may become structurally unsound. Additionally, water and proteoglycan (PG) content decreases. These changes may lead to the disc’s inability to handle mechanical stress.

Symptoms

Chronic neck pain from the upper spine, with pain radiating to the shoulders, arms and hands. You may also experience sporadic tingling or weakness in the knees. Pain may worsen when sitting, bending, lifting or twisting.

Possible Treatment – 
The Bonati Arthroscopic Laser Discectomy

In this procedure performed by Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, Alfred O. Bonati M.D., or another Bonati Spine Institute surgeon, the portion of the disc that is causing nerve compression can effectively be removed through a small incision. With the patient awake a small incision is made on the patient’s back and the endoscopic tube is inserted.

Using specially adapted endoscopic instruments, the diseased disc material is removed and then a laser vaporizes the surrounding problem tissue. A laser is then used to shrink and remodel the remaining disc. A small loose dressing is used to cover the incision.