A device being tested by US scientists could offer relief to back pain
sufferers. A stainless steel and plastic disc that is about to undergo trials
at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center is
intended to replace back discs damaged by degeneration, bulging, herniation or
thinning. At present these conditions are treated with spinal fusion.
Professor David Bradford, of UCSF, says fusion can cause stiffness and
decreased motion, and causes more stress to be transferred to other areas of
the spine. He adds, “This prospective, randomized study will tell us if the
Prodiscr can eliminate back pain by preserving or restoring motion in the
spine, restoring the structure and height of damaged vertebrae, and restoring
the normal biomechanics of the lumbar spine.”
(HealthScout News 09/08/02)
© Health Media Ltd 2002
http://www.health-news.co.uk
