Can a diseased or worn out disc be replaced?
A number of “artificial” discs are now on the market. The aim of these products is to enable removal of a painful disc while preserving stability and motion. One of the main concerns with these implants is the uncertainty about how they will wear. We also need to consider what can be done if these implants fail to relieve the situation. Professor Fraser has been involved in the design and development of a new artificial disc and has operated on a number of cases over the last few years. The other members of the clinic will become involved in the next phase of the study and clinical evaluation of this implant. It is, however, likely to be twelve to eighteen months before this implant or something like it is ready for general use. The other products on the market have not undergone sufficient evaluation through controlled trials to adequately assess their effectiveness and safety. There have also been some serious complications following the use of some of these devices.
