Early research in the development of artificial disc replacement began in the 1960's. Because of the complications sometimes associated with lumbar spinal fusion, a renewed interest in artificial disc replacement resurfaced in the 1990's. Since then, the number of studies and overall level of research and design efforts relative to disc replacement has increased significantly.
During disc replacement surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial disc. The goal of this and most all spine surgeries is to help to reduce your pain and restore activity.
One of the artificial discs with the longest clinical history is the CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc. It is the first and only FDA approved artificial disc on the market today. It has been approved for use in patients that have one diseased disc in the lumbar area of the spine. See more detail about who is and who is not a candidiate...
Preclinical testing indicates that the CHARITÉ® Artificial Disc system is designed to:
Maintain motion in the area of the spine where the disc is implanted
Maintain stability in your spine
Restore proper disc height between the vertebrae above and below the disc
Re-establish proper spinal alignment / curvature of your spine in the lumbar area
