Feature Story
LOS ANGELES (Ivanhoe Newswire) —
 Degenerative
disc disease is a painful and debilitating condition. The discs
in the spinal column begin to erode. Fusion is one option but that
leaves patients with less mobility. Now, a new procedure offers
a better way, and it is entirely artificial.
Karl Nusch's life as triathlete came to an abrupt halt two years
ago. It happened during training for a triathlon. He says, "I
started feeling the pain in my lower back going down into my buttocks
and into my left leg."
Nusch had degenerative disc disease. The lower part of his spinal
cord was decaying. Spinal fusion was an option, but that would leave
his back immobilized and in a brace for months.
 Orthopedic
surgeon John Regan, M.D., of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los
Angeles, says, "Fusion is actually a very good operation for
an older patient who's not going to be as active, but especially
in the young individual, it's just not a very good option. It's
not the best option we have."
Dr. Regan treated Nusch with what he considers a better option,
an artificial disc. The tiny metal sandwich with a plastic insert
makes flexibility easy.
"I think this has the potential for being a quantum leap in
the treatment of spine problems," says Dr. Regan.
Nusch isn't doing any leaping of his own yet, but a little more
than year after his surgery, he is trying to return to a normal
routine. He says, "I can swim with no discomfort. I can ride
pretty much with no discomfort. The running part is the part I'm
taking really slowly."
While he may not be able to return to triathlons, Nusch hopes the
new disc will at least help him get back in the race.
At present, the artificial disc is being used in clinical trials
only, but if the results continue to be promising, Dr. Regan says
the procedure should be widely available in the next two years.
If you would like more information, please contact:
John J. Regan, M.D.
120 South Spalding Drive
Suite 400
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 385-8010
Email: jjregan@spinesource.com
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John
J. Regan, M.D.