If you or someone you love
suffers from
Degenerative Disc Disease in the lumbar
spine, and have failed at least six months of
conservative treatment without adequate results,
you may be a candidate for Artificial Disc
Replacement.
Who is a Candidate?
The CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc
is an alternative to spinal fusion for patients
that have one diseased disc between
L4
and L5 or between L5 and S1.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is defined
as a disc that has worn out or become injured
and causes back pain. The disc deterioration
is confirmed by history and
x
rays or other diagnostic imaging.
Patients with DDD whose
vertebrae
(bones)
have moved less than 3mm (0.12in) may still
receive the CHARITÉ® Artificial
Disc. Patients receiving the CHARITÉ® Artificial
Disc should have failed at least six months
of treatment such as pain medication, a back
brace, or physical therapy. Patients who
have had some types of minor lower back surgery
may still receive the CHARITÉ® Artificial
Disc.
Your doctor can help you determine if you are a candidate for the CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc.
Who is a Not a Candidate?
While the use of an artificial disc is considered to be an extremely effective option for patients with degenerative disc disease, this technology is not appropriate for everyone. The CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc should not be used if:
you have either an infection throughout your body or localized to your spine; or,
you have disc deterioration or instability at more than one spinal level; or,
if you have poor bone quality (osteoporosis or osteopenia).
Your occupation or activity levels, your weight, the condition of other levels of your spine, whether or not you are pregnant, and any allergies you have may influence whether you should have surgery with the CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc. If any of these factors apply to you, please discuss them with your doctor.
