Las Vegas — Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center has witnessed the first surgery in the state of Nevada to use a new FDA-approved artificial cervical disc replacement system. The procedure, performed by Dr. Andrew S. Lee, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, marks a significant advancement in cervical spine care available to patients throughout the greater Las Vegas region.
The Synergy Disc® received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Premarket Approval in February 2026 following a rigorous clinical study. It is the first and only FDA-approved artificial cervical disc designed to improve spinal alignment with a built-in six-degree curve, addressing a long-standing challenge in cervical spine surgery that earlier devices did not solve. As the first in Nevada to use this new system, Southern Hills Hospital sees this as a significant milestone in how cervical spine malformations are surgically treated.
“This is transformative for spine care in our community,” said Southern Hills Hospital Chief Operating Officer Jason Desai. “Our goal is to continue providing the most innovative treatment options for our patients. By performing this surgery with the new disc replacement system, we are advancing patient outcomes and helping lead the evolution of spine care in our community.”
While artificial disc replacements are not a new practice, what distinguishes this new disc from other cervical disc replacement devices is its unique combination of motion preservation and anatomic alignment correction in a single implant. It does more than just replace a damaged disc; it helps restore the natural curve of the neck, so the head sits in a healthier, more balanced position. Instead of fusing bones together (which limits movement), the use of artificial discs helps preserve motion and improve quality of life.
“My goal has always been to bring the most advanced and evidence-based surgical options to my patients here in Nevada,” said Dr. Andrew S. Lee. “The Synergy Disc® represents a genuine step forward. It allows us to address not just the disc itself, but also the alignment of the cervical spine in a way that no other approved device has done before. I am proud to be the first to offer this technology in our state.”
By restoring both motion and alignment simultaneously, the device represents a meaningful evolution in how cervical spine disease is treated.
Southern Hills Hospital remains committed to raising the bar for patient care by offering leading-edge, innovative solutions for medical procedures.