Spinal disc implant. X-ray of a section through the neck of a 38-year-old patient, showing a prosthetic disc (white) implanted to correct a herniated (slipped) intervertebral disc. The damaged disc (at the level of C6-C7) has been surgically removed and replaced by the mechanical prosthesis. Damaged intervertebral discs can impinge on nerves and the spinal cord, and in serious cases surgery such as this is performed. This image shows how the prosthesis is able to flex with the spine.