When the topic of nutrition arises, the word “ artificial” is a red flag. But when the subject is
an eurosurgery, synthetics are often preferred. Artificial spinal discs made of surgical-grade stainless steel can relieve pain and potentially provide long-term health benefits to patients who are tired of hurting.
Michelle Desantis of Egg Harbor Township considers her artificial cervical disc nothing short of a miracle. “It’s wonderful,” she says. “It’s a real blessing that they have this surgery.”
Desantis began suffering terrible arm and hand pain about a week after a car accident. When an MRI revealed that one of her cervical discs was shattered, surgery was recommended. She was given the option between spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement.
“For me, it was an easy choice,” Desantis notes, choosing to go with a disc replacement. “My recovery time was much faster.”
Physical therapy three times a week helped Desantis regain lost strength and dexterity in her dominant arm and hand. In about two months, she was able to return to her job as a slot hostess at a local casino.
The neurosurgeon who performed the replacement, Robert Sabo, MD, FACS, is encouraged by Desantis’ quick recovery—and by promising results of ongoing studies regarding postsurgical recovery time, range of motion and adjacent segment disease.
Moving Smoothly
Nationwide, much of the attention regarding artificial discs focuses on their ability to preserve movement. Unlike traditional spinal fusions that bond two adjacent vertebrae directly together, artificial cervical discs like Desantis’ are inserted into the disc space and attached to vertebrae on each side. Two articulating components—a ball on top and a trough on the bottom—allow the device to flex, extend, bend and rotate similar to a natural joint.
Desantis, however, is most impressed with the relief it brought her. “Before surgery, I tried three different prescriptions and the pain still brought me to tears,” she recalls. “It was amazing how much better I felt right after the anesthesia wore off .”
Dr. Sabo, who is certified in cervical and lumbar disc replacement, is optimistic about the surgeries’ potential to help other patients.
“They [disc replacements] represent a significant advancement in the field,” he notes. “It’s a wonderful option to be able to offer.” ■

summer08.pdf