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Disc Replacement Surgery
Author: | Thursday June 16, 2005
At South Florida Spine Clinic disc replacement surgery is considered carefully for some patients. Results can be dramatic.
South Florida Spine Clinic
Disc Replacement Surgery is
Alternative For Appropriate Patient
There is a new spinal surgical procedure which, for a select group of patients, could mean pain free mobility and a return to life and work.
The artificial disc replacement procedure is an alternative to spinal fusion for patients who have one diseased disc between L4 and L5 or between L5 and S1.
South Florida Spine Clinic in Fort Lauderdale has been on the leading edge of the new procedure. "The difference is that while fusion is a good operation for many patients, the fusion does decrease mobility and adds stress to the spine," said Dr. Jeffrey Cantor. "The whole philosophy here is that with disc replacement there load on the spine is decreased and there is increased mobility."
"There has been a tremendous amount of research with over 2,000 patients studied after implantation, along with a two year follow-up," Dr. Cantor emphasized. "We were involved in the early training, as a group," he added.
"The key is to have an appropriate patient who qualifies for the surgery. The criteria is strict and there should be no exceptions,' Dr. Cantor said.
The South Florida Spine Clinic adheres to a policy of a conservative care approach. Disc replacement candidates must first have failed to improve with aggressive treatment plans.
"This is a complicated prosthesis to implant and the procedure should be done only by highly trained surgeons," Dr. Cantor said.
The procedure calls for the surgeon to remove the diseased disc and prepare the area for the artificial disc. Metal implants are then inserted into the opening and tapped into position. A polyethylene sliding core is inserted between the two metal implants. The spine is then returned to normal posture which seats the endplates in the vertebrae and holds the sliding core in position.
"One of the advantages of this surgery is that the individual will have a faster rehabilitation period and be back to full activity in six to eight weeks," Dr. Cantor pointed out. With fusion the protocol calls for three months of rest.
Ed. Note: The South Florida Spine Clinic is located in a state-of-the-art facility with a spine care team of Fellowship Trained Spinal Surgeons, Physiatrists and specialists in related professions.
www.floridaspinesurgery.com or call 954-771-2551 for information or to arrange a visit. The Charite Artificial Disc is manufactured by DePuySpine, Inc. (www.charitedisc.com.)
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