Cervical total disc replacement (TDR) continues to gain traction globally as a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion for appropriately selected patients. Recently, a clinical milestone was achieved with the first cervical total disc replacement surgery performed in Paraguay, utilizing the Triadyme®-C cervical artificial disc.
The procedure was completed at the Centro Médico La Costa in Asunción, Paraguay, by Elio Marín, MD, marking the country’s first cervical disc arthroplasty surgery. This case also represents an important milestone in expanding access to motion-preserving cervical spine technologies within Latin America.
The patient was a 48-year-old active female with symptomatic cervical disc disease. After careful patient selection and preoperative planning, a multi-level cervical total disc replacement surgery was performed to address her pathology and relieve her symptoms while preserving segmental motion. The clinical goal was to restore function, maintain biomechanics, and reduce the limitations often associated with fusion procedures in active patients.
Postoperatively, the patient experienced immediate symptom relief, with resolution of preoperative complaints. Her recovery progressed without complication, and she was able to return to speed skating within three months, demonstrating an early functional recovery consistent with the objectives of cervical disc arthroplasty in appropriately selected patients.
Cervical TDR has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with growing clinical evidence supporting its role in maintaining motion, reducing stress on adjacent segments, and supporting long-term functional outcomes. As surgeon experience expands and implant technology continues to advance, adoption of cervical disc replacement has increased across a broader range of geographies and healthcare systems.
This first case in Paraguay reflects not only the technical execution of a novel procedure, but also the expanding global confidence in cervical disc replacement as part of the spine surgeon’s treatment algorithm. It underscores the importance of education, training, and collaboration in introducing advanced surgical technologies to new markets while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety and outcomes.
As cervical motion preservation continues to develop worldwide, milestones such as this highlight the ongoing evolution of spine care and the growing international integration of cervical total disc replacement into clinical practice.
Read more about the first Paraguayan cervical total disc replacement: Case Review
Learn more about Triadyme-C: Triadyme-C Product Information
For investigational use only in the United States.
