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Dr. Rowan Performs St. Johns County’s First prodisc® L Lumbar Disc Replacement

A motion-preserving surgical option is now available closer to home for appropriately selected patients with a damaged disc in the lower back.

ST. JOHNS, Fla., Sept. 22, 2026 –  F. Andrew Rowan, MD, a spine surgeon with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), has performed the first lumbar total disc replacement in St. Johns County using Centinel Spine’s prodisc® L system. The procedure took place at Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County, with exposure assistance from Alexander Rose, MD, FACS.

“Patients today want to understand all of their options, particularly when there is an opportunity to treat the source of their pain while maintaining motion in the spine,” said Dr. Rowan. “Lumbar disc replacement can be an excellent option for the right patient. Being able to offer prodisc® L here in St. Johns County means patients can now access this technology and expertise within their own community.”

What is lumbar disc replacement?

Lumbar disc replacement is a procedure that removes a damaged disc in the lower back and replaces it with an artificial disc designed to maintain movement at the treated level.

Spinal fusion is another surgical option for certain conditions. It joins two vertebrae together, stopping movement at that level. Disc replacement takes a different approach by preserving motion, but the best treatment depends on the individual patient and the cause of their symptoms.

Who may be a candidate?

Some patients with persistent lower back pain related to degenerative disc disease may be considered for lumbar disc replacement when appropriate nonsurgical treatments have not provided enough relief. Disc replacement is not suitable for everyone with back pain.

Dr. Rowan begins with conservative care when appropriate. If surgery is being considered, he evaluates a patient’s symptoms, imaging, spinal anatomy, bone quality, stability, overall health and activity goals before discussing the available options.

Explore your spine care options in St. Johns County

If you have been told you may need spinal fusion, or you want to understand whether a motion-preserving procedure could be an option, an evaluation is the next step. Dr. Rowan sees patients at SOS offices in St. Augustine, North St. Johns and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Learn more about Dr. F. Andrew Rowan and request an appointment, or call 904-634-0640. You can also explore spine care at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists.

Joint and tendon pain can make even simple daily activities feel difficult. Whether you’re an athlete working to return to your sport, an active adult trying to keep up with your routine, or someone simply looking for relief, understanding your treatment options is an important first step.

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), our physicians offer a range of treatments for orthopedic conditions, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a regenerative option that has gained attention in recent years for tendon and joint-related pain.

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It’s a treatment that uses a concentrated portion of a patient’s own blood to help support the body’s natural healing process.

Here’s how it works, according to Colin P. Murphy, MD, a fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists:

1. Blood draw. A small sample of your blood is taken, similar to a routine lab draw.
2. Processing. The sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood to separate and concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
3. Injection. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the injured joint or tendon.

The goal of this process is to deliver a higher concentration of the body’s own healing factors to the site of injury, with the aim of reducing pain and supporting tissue repair.

What Conditions Might PRP Help With?

PRP is most often considered for:

• Tendon injuries (such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendon pain)
• Overuse injuries
• Osteoarthritis (OA) and other forms of joint pain

PRP is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. Response to treatment can vary, and it isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone. A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic physician is necessary to determine whether PRP is a reasonable option based on your specific diagnosis, health history and goals.

Why Are More Patients Asking About PRP?

Many patients are looking for treatment paths that don’t require them to put their lives on hold, whether that means avoiding a long recovery, reducing reliance on medication, or exploring options before considering surgery.

“Patients are looking for options that can help them stay active and avoid putting their lives on hold,” says Dr. Murphy. “When a treatment has the potential to improve pain and function, patients want to understand whether it may be a good fit for them.”

This interest reflects a broader trend in orthopedic care toward personalized treatment plans built around each patient’s condition, lifestyle and goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

If you’re considering PRP, your first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic specialist. During this visit, your physician will typically:

• Review your medical history and current symptoms
• Perform a physical examination and, if needed, order imaging
• Discuss whether PRP, or another treatment, is appropriate for your condition
• Walk you through the procedure, expected recovery, and realistic expectations for outcomes

Because PRP uses a patient’s own blood, there is generally no risk of an allergic reaction to the injected material itself, though as with any injection there are still risks to discuss with your physician.

“Every patient is different,” says Dr. Murphy. “The most important thing is finding the right treatment approach for your specific injury, your goals and your lifestyle.”

Is PRP Right for You?

PRP therapy may be worth discussing with your orthopedic provider if pain is limiting your ability to stay active. The best way to know whether it’s right for you is a personalized evaluation.

Schedule a consultation with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists to discuss your symptoms and learn whether PRP therapy, or another treatment approach, may help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified physician to discuss diagnosis and treatment options specific to your condition.