Dr. Richard Drake is specially trained in M6-C Artificial Disk Surgery. The disc offers an innovative non-fusion solution in treating degeneration of the cervical disc. The M6-C device is the only artificial cervical disc that mimics the structure and movement of a natural disc.
To date more than 55,000 patients worldwide have received the M6-C disc.
The M6-C disc is an innovative next-generation option for patients needing artificial disc replacement as an alternative to spinal fusion. This unique product is designed to mimic your spine’s natural structure and movement, including backward and forward, side to side, up and down, and rotate left and right. The M6-C disc is the only disc designed with a shock-absorbing nucleus and fiber annulus that work together to replicate the controlled range of movement and cushioning effect of the natural disc. By allowing your spine to move naturally, the M6-C artificial disc is designed to potentially minimize the stress to adjacent discs and other vertebral structures.
To learn more about the M6-C disc, visit https://m6disc.com/.
To learn more about Dr. Drake, click here.
Our Tulsa Bone & Joint Doctor of the Month for August is Richard Thomas, MD. Dr. Thomas is a renowned spine surgeon who sees patients at both our Tulsa and Stillwater locations.
Dr. Thomas completed his fellowship in Orthopedic Spine from the Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center in Denver. He is board certified through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His residency in Orthopedic Surgery was through the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and he also completed medical school at the OU College of Medicine.
We’re grateful to have Dr. Thomas as a part of our team! To learn more about Dr. Thomas, click here.
Monica McMahon
Each day at Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates, our scoliosis specialist, Dr. William Clark, is helping treat patients with scoliosis, and the results are truly amazing. We celebrate the victories we’ve been able to help many people with scoliosis achieve!
Here’s the story of a 12-year-old girl, Monica McMahon, who was greatly impacted by her experience with Dr. Clark at Tulsa Bone & Joint earlier this year.
“I am a competitive swimmer. Scoliosis runs in my family, so we were keeping an eye on my back throughout childhood. My physician did my physical every year and did not see any signs of scoliosis until I was 11. At my first X-ray, I had already progressed to a 50 degree curve, so Dr. Clark at Tulsa Bone & Joint advised surgery, but I was not having any pain at the time.
Before surgery, I noticed that if I sat for a long time or if I stood too long, it was uncomfortable. It felt like my ribs were being pushed over, and I had frequent headaches. I was still swimming well, so we decided to wait just a little longer before surgery. I was unsure of how long I would be out of swim, so waiting a few months gave me time to meet a few goals. I ended up having a great swim season.
Monica’s Before X-ray: December 2018
Monica’s after surgery X-ray: May 2019
My follow up X-ray 6 months later in December 2018 showed that my curve had progressed. At that time, we decided to schedule spinal fusion for Spring Break. I was nervous but knew surgery was the best option for me. The surgery was on March 13, 2019, and I am very happy that I chose to have Dr Clark and his team for my surgery. They all took great care of me. I am fused T4-L2.
After surgery, I was determined to get back in the pool as soon as possible. Once my incision was healed at 2 weeks, I returned to the pool only to walk in the water at first. I took it very slow, adding in a little more at each practice. After 3 months, I returned to compete in my first swim meet after surgery. I placed 1st in my 50 freestyle age group event! It was then that I knew everything would be OK. I would continue to get better and faster in time.
I was very happy that I had the surgery. It feels great to be back to my favorite sport. I even stand taller now!”
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Monica, and for choosing Dr. Clark and Tulsa Bone & Joint to help you move your life forward! Dr. Clark is the specialist for adult and pediatric spine deformity and scoliosis surgery in Tulsa and the surrounding areas. Call 918-392-1400 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Monica returns to the pool after surgery!
