Revolutionary Procedure Reduces Recovery for Back Surgery

Approximately 80 percent of the population will have low back pain at some point in their lives. While very few have a serious medical problem that requires surgery, those who do are now benefiting from a surgical approach that has been used to combat degenerative knee and hip conditions.

Known by some as a ‘bionic back,’ the Charite Artificial Disc™ is an alternative to spinal fusion for patients who have one diseased disc in the lumbar area of the spine. It is the first and only FDA approved artificial disc in the United States today.

The technique is performed by only a small number of surgeons in southeastern Michigan. Miles Singer, D.O., a spine surgeon at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital recently performed the surgery on Kim Kuiper, 39, of Novi, replacing her worn out spinal disc with the high tech substitute.

Kuiper, who had been plagued by back problems since her teen years, was up and walking just one day after surgery. “I am very happy with how this turned out,” said Kuiper. “I am looking forward to getting back to exercising and riding my bike.

Singer says a quicker response time is to be expected with the Charite Artificial Disc™. Patients leave the hospital within 24–48 hours as opposed to traditional lumbar fusion, which requires a stay of up to five days. Invented in Europe, the device helps restore the natural distance between the two vertebrae, which can allow movement.

“This is a breakthrough in non-fusion technology,” explains Singer. “It offers an innovative surgical option for patients with degenerative disc disease and related conditions.”