LaGrange, IL – April 2004 - 80% of all Americans will one day suffer from lower back pain. In fact, it’s the number two reason people visit their doctor. The Federal Drug Administration is expected to approve a new device that may keep repeat patients out of waiting rooms. The artificial disc could serve as an alternative to spinal fusion for back surgery patients as early as this Summer.
Dr. George Miz is an orthopedic surgeon involved in one of the four artificial disc investigational trials. According to Miz, the disc is designed to closely recreate the motion of a normal disc segment in the spine and will be used as a surgical alternative for treating degenerative disc disease. Among the four designs, two are metal backed prosthesis with a polyethelane device in between the two halves creating a motion across both surfaces. The other two are metal-on-metal prosthesis and allow forward and side bending motions, but stop at a certain point to avoid dislocation.
Spinal fusion is the current procedure used to surgically treat back pain caused by degenerative disc disease but the artificial disc is considered a better alternative for both doctor and patient. Dr. Miz says, “For the doctor, the pro’s are basically with the implantation and removal of the disc, mobilization of the disc space and the implantation of the prosthesis. There’s no secondary bone graft harvesting. There’s no fixation of the spine with screws and rods to stabilize as in a fusion. So in a way, parts of the procedure are simpler for a surgeon. For patients, the discs simulate the spine’s natural motion, put less stress on other areas of the spine and patients undergoing the procedure have a shorter recovery time because there is no bone to heal. Once the incision is healed, patients can start gradually resuming normal activity.”
The long term reaction to the bone surrounding the prosthesis is unknown. Doctors do not anticipate any material reactions in terms of the metal-on-metal prosthesis. Dr. Miz states, “I think artificial disc replacement is a huge advance in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the spine. With the preservation of motion, we can solve a lot of the problems associated with fusions. I think the artificial disc has the ability to help many patients in the future return to a much more functional and much less painful existence.”
For more information about artificial discs or to schedule an interview with a spine care specialist in your area, please contact NASS at (630) 230-3600.
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NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. Since its start in 1985, NASS has grown to nearly 4,000 members in 22 spine-related specialties. NASS members are MDs, DOs, and PhDs, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators, and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented as affiliate members.
For further information, contact:
North American Spine Society
Toll-free: (866) 960-6277 Direct: (630) 230-3600
or
Kathleen Hansen
(630) 933-9477