Physician Performs First Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
at Saint Barnabas

Steven Dorsky, M.D.

Steven Dorsky, M.D., Attending Spine Surgeon, recently performed Saint Barnabas Medical Center's first artificial disc replacement surgery to treat low back pain. Used as an alternative to spinal fusion surgery, the CHARIT Artificial Disc eliminates severe low back pain by replacing a damaged or worn out spinal disc with an artificial one. The device was given Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval at the end of 2004.

I think this is a terrific procedure for those patients who have the proper indications for this form of treatment, says Dr. Dorsky. Compared with spinal fusion surgery, patients have a shorter hospitalization and a much faster recovery, in addition to greater mobility with the new device.

Lumbar spinal fusion surgery, a common surgical treatment for low back pain or degenerative disc disease, is often effective in reducing pain, but limits range of motion and may transfer extra stress to discs above and below the fusion site. More than 200,000 of these procedures are performed each year in the U.S.

The artificial disc is a high-tech device made of two metallic endplates and a movable high-density plastic center that, once implanted, is designed to help align the spine and preserve its ability to move. Spinal discs maintain the position of the spine and allow for the flexibility to bend and twist. In clinical trials comparing artificial disc replacement to spinal fusion surgery, artificial disc patients maintained flexibility, experienced improvements in pain and function, had shorter hospitalizations and were more satisfied with the procedure.

The Procedure
Dr. Dorsky approaches the spine through an incision in the abdomen, while gently avoiding any delicate organs. He uses special tools to remove the damaged disc and creates a space between two vertebrae for the implantation of the artificial disc. The procedure generally takes one to two hours and, in rare cases, may require a transfusion. Disc patients generally return to work in 12 weeks or less, far sooner than the spinal fusion patients who are not able to work for six months or more.

In traditional spinal fusion surgery a damaged spinal disc is removed and vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts and metal screws and/or cages so that motion can no longer occur in this area of the spine.

The artificial disc replacement procedure is not for everyone, and a physician can determine whether or not a patient's condition meets the specific criteria for this form of surgery. Surgical candidates generally have disc disease at only one level, and have predominantly lower back pain and no evidence of spinal instability.

Patient Finds Relief with Artificial Disc
For the past six years, Stephanie Dietz suffered debilitating back pain brought on by a degenerative disc. The disc was so herniated, Mrs. Dietz says, that it constantly touched the nerves in her back, causing daily pain that reached seven and a half to eight on a scale of one to 10. The disc problem, which required ongoing pain medication, limited her ability to exercise, play with her two children, sit at a desk at work and even drive a car for long distances.

After much research, Mrs. Dietz, 36, decided that her best option for eliminating pain while maintaining mobility would be to have the disc replaced. On March 29, 2005, Dr. Dorsky and his medical team performed the disc replacement surgery, the first at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Even two weeks after the procedure, Mrs. Dietz could feel an improvement.

I have no more pain that resembles what I had before, she relates. Now I can bend and touch my toes without that pain. It is wonderful to live life without back pain.

When your back hurts, it affects every other part of your body. You are constantly worrying about every move you make and how it will affect your back. It is amazing not to have to do that anymore.

Mrs. Dietz credits Dr. Dorsky and his staff for their supportive and helpful assistance before, during and after the procedure. Now free of pain medications, she is pleased to be able to live life without reliance on chemicals to get through the day.

A Common Problem
About 65 million Americans suffer from low back pain every year, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Back patients who visit Dr. Dorsky have often exhausted other medical options and seek relief from surgery.

These people have significant, debilitating pain all day that just wears them down over time, related Dr. Dorsky. They often say to me, I just can't live with this anymore. What can you do to help me? For appropriate candidates, this new disc replacement surgery can be a chance for a life without chronic back pain.

For more information, please contact Dr. Dorsky’s office at
(973) 635-0800.
To find an attending Saint Barnabas orthopedic surgeon, please call 1-888-SBHS-123.