Dr. Gross is trained to employ the FDA-approved Charité™ motion preserving artificial disc in appropriate candidates. This technology avoids the loss of motion which accompanies traditional spinal fusion.

The Charité™ Artificial Disc is a total disc replacement technology that uses two metal alloy endplates and its unique sliding core. This offers the theoretical advantage of allowing the spacer to shift dynamically within the disc space during spinal motion. It 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.

The FDA has approved this device to be placed at only one spinal motion segment, either between L4 and L5 or  between L5 and S1. It is not yet available for the neck (cervical spine). Patients with more leg pain than back pain and/or symptoms of facet joint degeneration are likely not good candidates for this procedure. Good candidates should have failed at least 6 months of alternative treatment such as medication, epidural injections, physical therapy, etc.

During disc replacement surgery, Dr. Gross will remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial disc. The goal of this and most all spine surgeries is to help to reduce your pain and restore activity.

If you would like to learn more about this procedure, feel free to contact Dr. Gross by requesting a consultation by clicking here.