Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital (CMC) Dubai has successfully performed a four-level lumbar disc replacement, marking a first for the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf region, and the Middle East, according to current medical knowledge.
The complex procedure was led by Prof. Dr. Rudolf Bertagnoli, a globally recognised specialist in motion-preserving spine surgery. The surgery represents a significant advancement in regional spinal care, expanding treatment options for patients with multi-level degenerative disc disease.
Prof. Bertagnoli is a pioneer in disc replacement technology and the founder of ProSpine UAE. Over the course of his career, he has trained more than 3,500 physicians across 55 countries in the use of disc prostheses and advanced spinal techniques.
Through the collaboration between ProSpine UAE and CMC Dubai, patients in the region now have access to the full spectrum of motion-preserving spine surgery, complementing existing services previously available primarily in Germany.
Unlike traditional spinal fusion procedures, disc replacement is designed to preserve natural spinal mobility. Fusion surgery permanently immobilises affected segments, often placing additional strain on adjacent levels of the spine. Motion-preserving techniques aim to reduce this risk, helping patients maintain flexibility and functional capacity in daily life.
Medical experts say the successful completion of a four-level lumbar disc replacement highlights Dubai’s growing role as a regional centre for advanced and specialised healthcare.
