VSI Leads in Lumbar Disc Replacement Milestone in Mid-Atlantic Region

Key Takeaways

• VSI® surgeons Dr. Colin Haines and Dr. Ehsan Jazini are leading motion-preserving lumbar spine innovation across the Mid-Atlantic, utilizing prodisc® L implants.
• At VSI, lumbar disc replacement is personalized, including disc selection that can be tailored to each patient and each spinal level.
• If you are considering lumbar disc replacement for chronic low back pain, the right first step is a specialist evaluation to compare disc replacement vs. fusion and other options for your spine.

First Two Surgeons in VA, DC, MD, NC & WV to Perform 100+ prodisc L Surgeries

VSI spine surgeons Dr. Colin Haines and Dr. Ehsan Jazini have reached a landmark achievement in lumbar spine care, each surpassing 100 implantations of the prodisc L lumbar disc replacement device. The two are now the first surgeons in the Mid-Atlantic region, encompassing Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia, to reach this milestone, reinforcing VSI’s position at the forefront of motion-preserving spine surgery.

What Is the prodisc® L and Why Does It Matter?

The prodisc L is an FDA-approved lumbar artificial disc replacement designed to treat degenerative disc disease of the lower back while preserving the spine’s natural range of motion. Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently fuses vertebrae and can limit mobility, lumbar disc replacement restores function at the treated level, allowing patients to maintain a more active, pain-free lifestyle.

Key facts about lumbar disc replacement with the prodisc L:

• Treats degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and lumbar radiculopathy
• Preserves natural spinal motion rather than eliminating it
• Ball-and-socket design mimics the spine’s natural movement
• Reduces the risk of adjacent segment disease
• Offers a motion-preserving alternative for carefully selected candidates

First in the Mid-Atlantic: What This Means for Patients

Reaching 100 prodisc L implantations is a marker of surgical volume, precision, and dedicated expertise that few spine surgeons across the region have achieved. For patients in Virginia, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia, it means access to world-class lumbar disc replacement care close to home.

Dr. Colin Haines on the milestone: “It’s an honor to become the first surgeon in the Mid-Atlantic to perform 100 disc replacements with the prodisc® L. This is just one implant I utilize based on individual anatomy and what my patient’s body truly needs.”

Dr. Jazini echoes that patient-centered philosophy. Dr. Jazini was also the 4th surgeon in the country to reach 100 prodisc cervical disc replacement surgeries, and brings unmatched depth of experience in motion-preserving spine surgery to every procedure.

Am I a candidate for lumbar disc replacement surgery?

Not every patient is a candidate for disc replacement, and VSI surgeons are deliberate about that distinction. The VSI approach is grounded in matching the procedure to the patient, not the other way around.

Dr. Haines describes his decision-making process directly: “There are other disc replacements in certain circumstances that may be beneficial for a given person, but ultimately, you want to work with a surgeon who selects the implant based on what your body needs.”

VSI’s surgeons utilize devices from multiple leading manufacturers, ensuring each patient receives the implant best suited to their unique anatomy, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Lumbar disc replacement may be appropriate for patients who have:

• Single or two-level degenerative disc disease, confirmed with diagnostics
• Symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment
• Healthy bone density and no significant facet joint disease
• Goals of maintaining mobility and returning to an active lifestyle

About the Leading Surgeons

Dr. Ehsan Jazini is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine surgery. He was the fourth surgeon in the United States to earn a landmark prodisc C cervical disc replacement surgeries. His expertise spans cervical and lumbar conditions including degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, herniated discs, myelopathy, and radiculopathy.

Dr. Colin Haines is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon specializing in complex cervical and lumbar spine conditions. Recognized as a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. Haines has built a reputation in patient-first care and has performed several World Firsts using advanced technology to ensure precise surgical technique, such as being the first surgeon to utilize augmented reality in a Bertolotti resection surgery.

Both surgeons practice at VSI in Reston, Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Disc Replacement

What conditions does lumbar disc replacement treat? 

Lumbar disc replacement is used to treat degenerative disc disease of the lower back. It may also address herniated discs and lumbar radiculopathy in carefully selected patients.

How is lumbar disc replacement different from spinal fusion? 

Spinal fusion surgery permanently joins two vertebrae, eliminating motion at that segment but providing stability. Disc replacement removes the damaged disc and inserts an artificial one that continues to move, preserving the spine’s natural flexibility and reducing strain on adjacent levels.

Am I a candidate for the prodisc L? 

Candidacy depends on factors including the number of affected levels, bone health, facet joint condition, and overall anatomy. A comprehensive evaluation with a VSI surgeon is the first step.

How do I find out if lumbar disc replacement is right for me? 

Schedule a consultation with the top surgeons at VSI. Our surgeons are voted Top Doctors of 2026 by Northern Virginia Magazine and offer in-depth evaluations and will discuss all surgical and non-surgical options tailored to your specific condition.

Take the Next Step Toward a Pain-Free Life

If you are living with chronic low back pain and have not found relief through conservative treatment, lumbar disc replacement may be an option worth exploring. VSI’s surgeons are among the most experienced in the Mid-Atlantic region and now the most experienced with the prodisc L.

VSI is a leading private spine surgery practice based in Reston, Virginia, serving patients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. VSI’s surgeons are nationally recognized for their expertise in minimally invasive, motion-preserving, and complex spine surgery.