Patient Information Resources


Spine Institute
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1500 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 401B
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 863-4444






Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

View Web RX

« Back

The Future of Spinal Surgery is Here

Posted on: 08/30/2005
The gold standard treatment for chronic back pain from disc degeneration is spinal fusion. The goal is to stop spinal motion causing the pain. Now artificial disc replacement (ADR) offers pain relief by keeping spinal motion.

In this article Dr. Thomas Errico from the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases reviews the use of ADRs. Disc replacement is also known as lumbar disc arthroplasty. The ADR is designed to allow normal or near normal spine motion. It also keeps the space or height between the two vertebral bones and acts as a shock absorber.

Newer ADR designs are trying to overcome problems with the earlier ADRs. More studies are needed to find out which patients are best suited for ADRs. Surgeons must learn new surgical methods. It takes time to learn how to use new tools made to install these implants.

Types of implants and the materials they are made of are described in this review. Dr. Errico calls the new ADRs the "promising beginning of a new era in spine treatment." Lumbar arthroplasty is in its infancy stages. Current studies will help guide patient selection and the best timing for disc replacement. The future of spinal health care is here.

References:
Thomas J. Errico, MD. Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty. In Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. June 2005. Vol. 435. Pp. 106-117.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.