Charite Disc Treats Low Back Pain

An artificial disc called Charite treats severe low back pain by replacing a damaged or worn-out spinal disc with an artificial one. The disc is the first such device to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Texas Back Institute (TBI, Plano, TX, USA) was the first center to perform artificial disc surgery in the United States. TBI was one of 15 clinical sites in the national investigational study.

Lumbar spinal fusion, the most common surgical treatment for low back pain or degenerative disc disease, is effective in reducing pain but may significantly limit range of motion and put extra stress on discs above and below the fusion site. In trials comparing artificial disc replacement with spinal fusion surgery, Charite patients maintained or improved their range of motion, experienced pain relief sooner, had a quicker recovery, and were more satisfied with the procedure. The procedure generally takes about 60-90 minutes.

"Until now, spine surgery relieved pain by fusing discs, limiting motion,” noted Scott Blumenthal, M.D., principal investigator in the trial and president of TBI. "Now, for the first time, we can relieve pain and preserve motion.” The Charite disc is the product of DePuy, Inc. (Raynham, MA, USA).



Related Links:
Texas Back Institute
DePuy Spine