NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on Mobi-C for cervical disc replacement.

Mobi-C is a prosthetic device used for 1- or 2-level cervical disc replacement. It is designed for people with cervical disc degeneration. The evidence from 1 systematic review and 3 additional studies summarised in this briefing includes 1,675 individual patients and is of mixed quality. The systematic review concluded that Mobi-C is non inferior to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The studies found that Mobi-C (at 1 or 2 levels) was more effective than ACDF for overall success and for reducing limitations of daily activity as a result of neck pain, and allowed a greater range of motion with less adjacent segment degeneration and less need for subsequent surgery. Each Mobi-C prosthesis costs £1,750 (excluding VAT).

MIBs provide a description of the medical technology, including its likely place in therapy, the costs of using the technology and a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant published evidence.

Their purpose is to provide objective information on device and diagnostic technologies to aid local decision-making by clinicians, managers and procurement professionals. By making this information available, NICE helps to avoid the need for NHS organisations to produce similar information for local use.

MIBs are not NICE guidance. They differ in format, contain no judgement on the value of the technology and do not constitute a guidance recommendation.

MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics.