Arthroplasty
Chronic neck and low back pain is a major health issue for many patients. This pain leads to loss of vitality, income and may create a long term disability setting for the patient.

Cervical and lumbar fusion has been the traditional surgical treatment for these conditions, but leads to loss of motion and adjacent joint breakdown. Lumbar disc replacements or lumbar artificial discs are now available for the low back pain patient.

Lone Star Spine offers the latest technology in the lumbar and cervical disc replacement options. Dr. Gill is trained to implant the Charite` JNJ-DePuy Spine in the lower back. This procedure was approved by the FDA in October 2004. Dr. Gill is also trained in the ProDisc® Synthes Spine cervical replacement which is currently an IRB investigational study at the University Hospital.

This new technology is in its infancy, however will grow to a mature market option for the patient who desires motion preservation options.

Inclusion/Exclusion

Who is a candidate for artificial disc replacement?

• Must be age 18-60
• Must have 6 months of non-surgical care for low back or neck pain with or without leg or arm pain
• Must have degenerative disc disease

Who is not a candidate for artificial disc replacement?

Patients that have:

• BMI greater than 40
• Osteoporosis
• Scoliosis greater than an 11 degree curve
• Instability: Isthemic Spondylolisthesis or Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
• Tumor
• Central Stenosis
• Arachnoiditis
• Chronic steroid use
• Advanced facet disease
• Metal allergies - nickel
• Pregnancy

• Are you a study candidate for artificial disc replacement?

• What every patient should know

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