Before we tell you about how this surgery is performed, we are going to first introduce you to the 29-year old patient who opted to be the first in Northern Nevada to have the procedure.
Carrie Martin is a back patient, " I'm really excited, its something new and you know I'm excited to get some mobility back go back to some of the things I am use to doing."
She has always been athletic, a shot putter, hammer and javelin thrower in college, she even made her way to the Olympic Trials in 19-96. Little did she know just picking up a box less than a year ago would cause her back injury.
After six months of rehab and no improvement, Carrie turned to Spine Nevada and Neurosurgeon Dr. James Lynch for help...he says her diagnostic pictures tell the story. Dr. James Lynch, Spine Specialist, says normal discs are hydrated and they are white the signal on MRI is white, L4-L5 disc space which is dried out and black by comparison
Traditionally, Dr. Lynch says Carrie could have been facing surgery called spinal fusion involving this hardware. It may mean less pain, it also may mean future surgeries on areas above the site because of less flexibility and added stress. But with recent F-D-A approval, this new artificial disc is now available.
Called the Charite (char-it-tay) it takes the place of the damaged disc. As you can see its more flexible and allows patients freer movement with less pain.
Patients like Carrie lie on their back during the procedure as surgeons make their way through the lower abdomen to the spin. There Dr. Lynch will remove the damaged disc and then create a space for the new artificial disc.
With the help of surgical tools and a specialized X-Ray called a fluroscopy Dr Lynch creates the space...and then carefully puts the artificial disc in place. There are 28 different sizes and angles available. Its basically a custom fit.
Dr. Lynch says Carrie's incision site will probably hurt more than the actual surgery itself. But we hope to follow her through rehab and beyond.
If you'd like more information on the Charite artificial disc, you can call the number on your screen, 775-348-8800.
Or go to our website at kolotv.com for more details.
Keep in mind, the procedure is reserved for a select group of lower back pain patients.