Artificial disc replacement has been used in Europe since 1987. Doctors in the EU have had access to the latest in artificial disc technology long before it's available in the US. America is currently 5-10 years behind Europe when it comes to this type of surgical procedure.
The disc currently approved by the FDA that is widely used in the US is a ball and socket design, essentially a plastic ball that does not distribute the load efficiently. Made by Synthes, the ProDisc offers no impact resistance (cushion) and does not limit rotation, meaning there's no 'pushback' should you twist or bend too far. There have been numerous revision surgeries on patients who had ProDiscs implanted. There have been many successful surgeries using the ProDisc, but when you're faced with replacing such an essential part of your body, you want the best available equipment.
The primary reason I'm heading to Germany is so I can have the best disc on the market, which is the M6, made by Spinal Kinetics. Unfortunately, they have been locked in a patent dispute with Synthes, and have been unable to go to trials in the US. So they have instead focused on the European market, which has used the M6 for several years with a high rate of success. In well over 10,000 discs used there is only one reported case of disc failure, which was likely related to poor implantation.
The M6 has an artificial nucleus and annulus, just like the natural disc. It mimics the movement of our discs, and provides resistance to over-rotation. The overwhelming majority of disc replacements outside the US currently use the M6. It's even recognized by doctors in the states as the superior disc, but they are unable to use it on their patients. Ironically, the company is located in Sunnyvale, California.
If I want the best shot at regaining my life, I need the best medical equipment at my disposal. It just so happens I need my passport to get it.
No comments:
Post a Comment