According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 213,000 fusion procedures were performed in the U.S. in 1997, the most recent reporting period. Beth Israel's Spine Institute joins in a ten-site trial in which 341 patients will participate. In European studies, mostly in France, Germany and the Netherlands, Dynamic Intervertebral Disc Spacer appears to offer advantages that can be compared to replacement of painful arthritic hip and knee joints. During surgery, a new disc, consisting of an elastic polyethylene cushion-shaped core, is inserted between two metal end plates applied to the vertebrae. With proper positioning along the axis of the spine, patients have recovered more rapidly from surgery and recaptured a fuller range of functioning.
Most patients are able to return to a normal lifestyle after appropriate rehabilitation.
Because disc replacement preserves mobility of the spine, it should reduce damage to nearby discs, preserving spinal function, and enabling patients to maintain better spinal health long term. In addition to Beth Israel's Spine Institute, the trial's ten locations include medical centers in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. The Spine Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center specializes in the treatment of congenital, chronic or acute disorders as well as back problems of any kind or degree, including back pain from strains and sprains, herniated discs and other disk problems, scoliosis, traumatic injuries, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, spinal deformities and spinal tumors. To pinpoint the exact causes and location of back pain, the Institute uses the most technologically advanced equipment for accurate diagnosis. Noninvasive treatment options include pain management, rehabilitation, and physical and occupational therapy.