Herniated Disc Replacement: Del V’s Story

I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for the outstanding treatment and care I received from Dr. Mark Mikhael and the entire surgical center team for my bulging disc between C6-7 that was causing terrible nerve pain from my neck, down through my left arm and numbness in my left hand. When the first spinal surgeon at a different facility expressed my only option was cervical fusion I knew I needed a second opinion. Thankfully I ended up at IBJI and worked with Dr. Mikhael. Dr. Mikhael suggested and performed a flawless disc replacement with an artificial disc. Literally the evening after my morning surgery 90% of the terrible nerve pain I was experiencing for six months previously was gone! Everything went perfectly and in less than six weeks I was back to doing my normal activities and after six weeks released with no restrictions! At six and a half weeks I enjoyed a 700 mile motorcycle trip in the Smoky Mountains, pain free and with full range of motion. Amazing technology but only because the procedure was done with perfection! Thank you again Dr. Mikhael for everything. You, your assistant Joe and everyone at the surgical center were so wonderful to work with. From the first appointment and until my full release six weeks post-op, I couldn’t have been more pleased with everyone involved with my care. Thank you all and especially while working under these extreme conditions during the pandemic. I’ll be forever grateful you gave me my active life back!

Mark Mikhael, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgical treatment of spine disorders such as disc herniations, stenosis, fractures, instability and degeneration (arthritis). His special interest is in complex cervical spine surgery.