I am in desperate need of long term information regarding the artificial disc surgery. If anyone can point me to some web sites that have this info i would be very greatful.

Thank you.

Nichole

http://www.charitedisc.com/charitede...nts/faq.asp#Q2

Many implants have been functioning properly for over 17 years in vivo. Laboratory testing has also demonstrated remarkable durability over time, assuming an average of 125,000 significant bends each year or approximately 340 per day. As with any implant however, patient activity levels and life style can have an impact on the actual results.

And:
http://www.spine-health.com/research...ificial05.html

The Charit� Artificial Disc was designed to restore disc space height, to restore motion segment flexibility, to prevent disc degeneration at adjacent segments, to reduce or eliminate pain from motion or from nerve compression, and to improve the patient's functional activities. It was designed to be biocompatible and durable. It has a life span of 40 years (85 million cycles).

The Charit� Artificial Disc has kinematics that mirror the segmental motion of a normal spine. It is designed to allow anatomic alignment in lordosis, and to allow normal facet joint loading and unloading.

Wear debris, a concern with polyethylene implants in the peripheral joints, has been studied in the Charit�, given the implant's proximity to the spinal canal and nerve roots. In a long-term laboratory test of cyclical motion simulating >11 years of use, no wear debris particles were identified. There is minimal deformation of the core, with less than 8% height loss expected in 10 years of use.

More info for insights into Washington's "official" position on ADR:

For Regence:

http://www.regence.com/trgmedpol/surgery/sur127.html

Total disc replacement appears to be associated with a high rate of re-operations, and the potential problems that may occur with longer follow-up have not been addressed. Thus, total disc replacements should be considered experimental procedures and should only be used in strict clinical trials.

From the Office of the Medical Director:

http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Files/OMD/ArtificialDis...lacement20041101.pdf

Thank you for this infromation "Harrison". Once again you have helped tremendously!