Do you know anything about Lumbar Disc Replacement

You mean, where they actually replace the disc? I've seen during fusions where they use cages but not replace the disc...?

Interesting that you would bring this up. My husband visited a physiastrist (sp?) yesterday. This doctor told him that the FDA is currently studying this and it should be approved in about 2 years. Here is a link for you that also has some info:

http://www.spineuniverse.com/.

Also I did a Google search yesterday by typing in "degenerative disk disease and disk replacement." Got a ton of hits.

This doctor yesterday seemed very hopeful that this procedure would be available in the US in a couple of years. He said my husband would be a great candidate for this surgery. The information looked very encouraging. So far my husband doesn't have any nerve involvement with his disk disease, so he can hold off on any kind of surgery for now.

Hope this helps. If you want, you can PM me about this.

http://www.spine-health.com/research...scupdate4.html

In 1983, I had an anterior total disc replacement L5S1. They put cow bone in. My back is not perfect, but I can walk 10 feet without being on the floor. If I had it to do over again.....I would

Tassie Nurse have you spoken wiht any of the Artificial Disk surgeons? In comparison with fusion which sounds like what AngieBruno had......right now the generally done option AD is rare. There are 2 types of AD the Charite III and the Acroflex that I have know about. There have been past efforts including replacng only the nucleus and leaving the annulus.

AngieBruno being able to walk 10 feet while better than not walking at all, doesn't sound like very good success. What is your level of pain and disability. I have had so many tests and treatments for my L3-4 and L5-S1 that I still am not ready to consider surgery/replacement. I already have arachnoiditis .

TassieNurse please read up and talk with a surgeon. I understand that Cananda has approved the surgery and the US is considering it. I haven't heard about Australia at all.

On the MGH Spinal Disorders 3 site there is a person who had the Charite III. His nickname there is mmglobal and he is willing to read e-mail questions. You might want to see about this

http://neuro-mancer.mgh.harvard.edu/...ML/008602.html

Tasie nurse - really know nothing about you problem - but would like to say hi amd good to see you contibuting - so welcome hope you find you solution
tookie

Heres a fantastic web site (message board). I am a patient, due to recieve a 2 level Prodisc Implant. I am Cindee on that site too if you have any questions!! Good luck...


http://www.backpainsupportgroup.com
Go to the "message boards"