Activ L disc Vs. Charite Disc

In the link I read on the Activ L disc, it states facet joints are worn out due to the shift in the core of other artificial discs??? Is there always a shift in the core of the Charite and Pro Discs or is this shift only if the core is placed off center?? Is the shifting an imperfection with the Charite Disc?? They describe the situation as though the Activ L Disc doesn't allow such a forward shift of the core. Any physicians reading this board, who might comment on my question? If the Charite's placement is correct I assume the shift doesn't take place and the facet joints aren't worn down? Do any of you know the answer to my question? It makes me wonder if I should wait for the Activ L; although I know I must go forward...I am scheduled next week..Oh well...please let me know your thoughts.

[letteski]

tcd

I am no doctor or an expert by any means and don�t know the Activ L but I do know about the ProDisc and the Charite. The Charite has a floating core, not connected to any part of the end plates thus �un-constraint� the ProDisc core is connected to the bottom plate thus �semi-constraint�.

I have mild facet degeneration and was informed that the Charite could increase my degeneration. However this degeneration is curently throughout my whole spine.

Dr Delamarter explained to me that because the ProDisc�s core is connected to the bottom plate it protects the facets more then the Charite does.

I guess in my case only time will tell but I will be keeping an eye on this for the rest of my life. Good luck with your decision this is something you can only make once in your life. Make sure you are 100% ready.

[mmglobal]

Activ-L core is in a trough and translates much like the Charite, but with differences in the core design that are significant.

ProDisc core is fixed. There is some translation with ProDisc, but not a result of a moving core.

The shifting core is not a flaw... it provides for kinematics that more closely mimic the natural kinematics of a healthy spine. Charite' proponents call that an advantage... ProDisc proponents call it a disadvantage. We'll know in 10 years when all the discs are obsolete and we finally have a large pool of data to draw from.

I know people with ProDiscs and Charite's who have facet problems after surgery. I also know people with both discs who are fine.

I believe that the surgeon and correct implantation - along with patient selection are far more important issues than device selection.

Mark