USA Health performs first lumbar disc replacement surgery in Mobile
The surgery was made possible through close collaboration among multiple specialists.
By Jessica Jones
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USA Health has successfully performed the first lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery in Mobile, offering a motion-preserving alternative to traditional spinal fusion for patients with chronic lower-back disc conditions.
The procedure was completed by USA Health’s complex spine team, led by Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, chief of complex spine surgery and vice chair of neurosurgery, in collaboration with the health system’s cardiovascular team (CVT), highlighting a multidisciplinary approach to advanced spine care.
Unlike spinal fusion, which uses rigid spacers, rods and screws to permanently join vertebrae, lumbar disc replacement involves implanting an artificial disc with a ball-and-socket design to maintain motion and flexibility in the spine. The procedure is intended for patients with degenerative disc disease in the lower back who may benefit from avoiding fusion.
“While the majority of our surgeries are complex reconstruction surgeries, we always try to offer the least invasive surgery to solve the patient's specific problem,” said Menger. “This technology allows us to avoid a fusion surgery and preserve motion and flexibility whenever possible. It's important we can offer the most leading-edge technology in an interdisciplinary fashion here in Mobile so that patients don't have to travel for advanced care.”
The surgery was made possible through close collaboration among multiple specialists, including cardiovascular surgeon Carl Maltese, M.D., FACS, and physician assistant Christy Paragone, PA-C.
“It’s inspirational to work together as a team to serve patients in Mobile,” said Maltese. “I truly enjoy partnering on these cases.”
“It’s empowering to be part of a leading CVT team that is helping introduce new and innovative procedures and push the boundaries of what’s possible in Mobile,” said Paragone.
USA Health is among a limited number of hospitals in Alabama offering lumbar artificial disc replacement, expanding access to advanced spine procedures in the region.
