WHO: South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital, Frank Kuwamura, M.D. and Zimmer Biomet
WHAT: A two-level cervical disc replacement procedure utilizing an innovative
medical device. Mobi-C® Cervical Disc replaces diseased discs in the
neck and is designed to maintain motion. Traditionally, the same patient
would have received a fusion. Fusion surgery, while also replacing
diseased discs in the neck, is designed to stop movement at the operated
levels.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 8th at 2 p.m.
WHERE: South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital
18600 N Hardy Oak Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78258
WHY: The patient receiving the NO CHARGE surgery is a mid-wife and has
been unable to work because of chronic neck pain.. Her insurance
company denied her case. Dr. Kuwamura felt compelled to help her and
requested assistance from the hospital and implant company to donate
services and the implant to help this patient alleviate her debilitating
condition, allowing her to continue her profession, bringing new life into
the world
OTHER: The patient and doctor will be available for interviews.
Cameras will be allowed to get b-roll of surgery in the OR.
About South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital:
National Surgical Healthcare, Inc., has partnered with local physicians to establish South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital (STSSH). In this partnership, the physicians assist in management of the hospital, resulting in a hospital solely run for the benefit of the patient. This innovative approach creates an integrated and holistic approach to healthcare. As a nationally recognized center for spine and joint care excellence, STSSH takes pride in providing the highest quality clinical care in a one-
on-one, warm and caring environment. For additional information, please visit
www.southtexassurgica.com or like us on Facebook.
Mobi-C Facts
• The Mobi-C Cervical Disc is one of the most widely used cervical discs in the world. First implanted in France in November 2004, Mobi-C has now been implanted in more than 40,000 spinal levels in 25 countries.
• Mobi-C entered an FDA clinical trial in 2006, in which 647 levels of Mobi-C were implanted. A total of 599 patients were involved in the clinical trial at 24 study centers across the U.S. This represents the largest clinical trial ever conducted in the U.S. for cervical disc replacement. Mobi-C received FDA approval in August of 2013, making it the first cervical disc with both one and two-level indications.
• Mobi-C is made with two Cobalt Chromium alloy endplates that are plasma sprayed with titanium and coated with hydroxyapatite, and has an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene plastic insert (UHMWPE). These are proven materials that have been used in orthopedic applications for over 60 years.
• Mobi-C is intended for adult patients (skeletally mature) with arm pain and/or neurological symptoms (such as weakness or numbness) with or without neck pain at one or two adjacent levels from C3 – C7 in the cervical spine. Patients should have failed non-surgical care (such as physical therapy or medications) for at least 6 weeks, or shown signs of progressively worsening symptoms. Disc damage needs to be confirmed by a doctor’s review of CT, MRI, or x-ray images. A doctor should always be consulted for proper indications and use of Mobi-C.