FDA Approves the ProDisc Total Disc Replacement for Patients with Low Back Pain
 

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the ProDisc total disc replacement. Seaport Orthopaedic Associates is proud to announce that Jeffrey A. Goldstein, MD has the greatest experience with this revolutionary procedure in the tri-state area.

The ProDisc is an artificial disc specifically designed to replace a degenerated disc in the lumbar spine. The disc restores normal dynamic spinal function, stability, and range of motion. It also reduces the effects of disc disease and aims to minimize or remove the pain source associated with this all too common condition. Prodisc has been implanted in over 3,000 patients worldwide and has a proven history of success based on evidence in clinical outcomes.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a gradual spinal disease process that compromises the spine as people age; typically starting in the 30's and can continue to become worse with age. It can also be caused by injury to the spinal column or other related factors. The general symptoms may include chronic low back pain, acute low back pain, pain radiating to the legs or weakness in leg muscles. Roughly 75% of all adults will experience back pain but only 1-2% will ever require surgery for their back pain. A degenerative change in the lumbar spine (in the lower back) typically causes changes in the structure and normal function of the spine. The lumbar spine is made up of several vertebrae and between each of these vertebrae are cartilage-like discs that serve as shock absorbers. With time, an aging disc will lose its resilience and height. This loss of height and ability to withstand normal weight bearing loads often leads to impingement of nerves by surrounding joints. It also can lead to rupturing of the disc and potential spinal instability.

ProDisc total disc replacement represents a revolution in spinal surgery options for patients. Surgeons have been waiting many years for this technology to become available for patients and it is finally here!

The main goals of total disc replacement are to restore the normal range of motion in the spine, to re-establish stability in the spine and to minimize the painful effects of disc degeneration.

The ProDisc technique approaches the affected spinal level from the front (i.e. your lower abdomen). A small incision is made here to allow exposure to the spine. The disc material at the level to be replaced is carefully exposed and removed. The ProDisc artificial disc is then implanted between the vertebrae at the affected level in your spine. The ProDisc is essentially a ball and socket joint that is designed to restore function, geometry, and motion of the lumbar disc. The materials are similar to those already in use for total hip and knee replacements.

ProDisc is modular, so Dr. Goldstein will customize the device to each patient's unique anatomic and physical requirements. Upon completion of your surgery, Dr. Goldstein will set out specific recovery steps for you that you will need to follow.

If you feel like you are a candidate for the ProDisc total disc replacement, or would like a consultation for spine surgery, please call Seaport Orthopaedic Associates at (212) 513-7711 and make an appointment with Dr. Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein also performs disc replacement in the cervical spine (neck). All surgery is performed by Dr. Goldstein on the spine service at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases.

For more information on Dr. Goldstein please see www.backmd.net.