Back Pain
Do you know what affects 65 million Americans
in their lifetime, and sends more people to the
doctor, the hospital, or the operating room?
Back pain. Back pain, lower back pain in particular,
is usually only temporary—lasting just
a few weeks or months. However, for many people,
back pain can last for years. This persistent
pain is usually caused by degenerative disc disease
(DDD).
Normal spinal discs function as shock absorbers
between the bones and as nerve protectors, allowing
flexibility and movement. Degenerative disc disease
(DDD) results from discs that are damaged or
degenerated, and have lost their form and function,
leaving the nerves bare, and causing excruciating
back pain. DDD may be caused by an unexpected
injury or by aging, and includes any damage caused
to one or more of the discs located between the
vertebrae along the spine. The lower back, or
the lumbar region, is more susceptible to injury
because that section of the spine bears the most
body weight, therefore, getting most of the wear
and tear.
Total Disc Replacement
A revolutionary procedure for the treatment of DDD is total disc replacement
(TDR). TDR is currently an FDA-approved study being performed by only 11
surgeons across the country. Unlike spinal fusion, TDR is unique because
it completely replaces the damaged disc and restores it to normal height
and capacity without destroying the function of the joint. The prosthetic
device used in TDR, consists of two metal plates made of cobalt chromium
and titanium, and is inserted between two vertebrae. This replaces the damaged
disc and allows the surrounding vertebrae to remain intact. The implant encourages
the vertebrae to grow into the prothesis, enabling the joint to have a more
normal range of motion, and diminishing stress on other discs.
The recovery period is also much shorter with
disc replacement surgery than with traditional
spinal fusion surgery.
One of only fifteen sites nationwide to participate
in the FDA study to determine the effectiveness
of TDR, Penn Orthopaedics at Pennsylvania Hospital
offers a comprehensive evaluation for total disc
replacement, including an MRI scan and a discogram.
Patients between the ages of 20 and 60 who have
single or double level degenerative disease may
be eligible for the study.
Talk with your physician about your treatment
options. Some questions you should ask your doctor
include:
- Is my lower back pain caused by a damaged
disc or discs?
- If surgery is required, am I a candidate
for total disc replacement?
- What are the risks and benefits of the treatment
plan prescribed for me?
- Has your doctor recommended a spinal fusion?
To find out if TDR is right for you, contact
a spine specialist at Penn Orthopaedics at Pennsylvania
Hospital by calling 1-800-789-PENN.
Reviewed by: Richard
A. Balderston, MD
Last updated: June 2003
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