Einstein Back Surgeons Perform Total Disc Replacement

New Option to Spinal Fusion Eases Pain, Lets Spine Move Naturally and Speeds Recovery

Philadelphia, PA, January 31, 2005—Are you or someone you know considering spinal fusion surgery to ease lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease? Back doctors at Albert Einstein Medical Center have a new option to consider. The new treatment, called Total Disc Replacement, alleviates back pain just as well as spinal fusion. But unlike spinal fusion, Total Disc Replacement maintains the spine’s natural flexibility and has a much shorter recovery time.

Eric A. Williams, MD, Attending Spine Surgeon in Einstein’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, recently performed the first Total Disc Replacement in the City of Philadelphia since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Charite'TM Artificial Disc for use in the U.S. last October. After removing his patient’s painful, damaged disc, Dr. Williams implanted a chrome-and-polyethylene Charite' ^TM Artificial Disc that allows the spine to flex and bend. “In clinical studies, patients who received artificial discs maintained a much more normal range of movement than those who underwent spinal fusion,” explains Dr. Williams. “Total Disc Replacement provides an important alternative for the many younger adults with debilitating degenerative disc disease who wish to return to active lifestyles.”

According to Dr. Williams and John A. Handal, MD, Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Total Disc Replacement also allows patients to recover more quickly. Patients who receive artificial discs typically begin returning to normal activity in about three weeks. After spinal fusion, patients need three to 24 months for healing and recuperation. Disc replacement may also have the added advantage of preventing the arthritis in adjacent spine segments that often occurs after spinal fusion.

The Charite' ^TM  Artificial Disc has been used in Europe for over a decade. According to studies conducted there, about 80 percent of patients report good to excellent results with little or no safety concerns, complications or adverse effects. Dr. Williams received his training in Total Disc Replacement from Paul C. McAfee, MD, one of the key surgeons involved in the clinical trials conducted for FDA approval.
Please call 1-800-EINSTEIN or visit www.einstein.edu for more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Handal or Dr. Williams.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations.  Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. 

Publish date: January 31, 2005