When Daniel Friedman was in his 20s, a fall from a ladder wreaked havoc on his back for the next decade.  The chronic back pain he experienced even began to affect his ability to walk, causing his legs to suddenly give out.

Thanks to a new, innovative artificial spine replacement disc, the 37-year-old Bloomfield resident has finally found relief for the first time in years.  Approved by the FDA in October 2004, the first-of-its-kind CHARITE artificial spine replacement disc is a three-piece medical device that has revolutionized the way surgeons approach degenerative disc disease in the spine.  The disc consists of a plastic sliding core, sandwiched between two cobalt chromium alloy endplates. 

"Up until this time, spinal fusion was the traditional treatment for degenerative disc disease," said Howard Senter, M.D., chief, Division of Neurosurgery at West Penn Hospital and the first neurosurgeon in western Pennsylvania to implant the new spinal disc.

During spinal fusion, the disc is removed and bone graft is packed into the space between two vertebrae and along the back of the vertabrae.  As a patient heals, the graft helps to create a solid bridge across the disc space and connects the two vertabrae.  The new artificial disc approaches lumbar surgery in a different manner.  After an incision is made in the patient's abdomen, the surgeon removes the problem disc and inserts the artificial one.

Patients with strong bones and degenerative disease in just one disc -- approximately 20 percent of fusion candidates -- are also candidates for the new device, which has been approved by the FDA only for portions of the lower spine.  Patients who are 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight, those with more than one degenerative disc, or those suffering from additional back problems are not currently eligible. 

"The advantages of the artificial disc are that it preserves that area both above and below the joints, provides greater long-term flexibility and function, and also dramatically lessens pain," said Dr. Senter.  "This new product has really opened the doors to a new era in back surgery and will provide another effective option to thousands of back pain sufferers."

These benefits were especially attractive to Friedman, who received the new artificial spine replacement disc on February 9.  Just one day later, he was up and walking -- and most importantly -- nearly free from back pain.

"The past six months have just been real torture," he said.  "I couldn't function without being medicated.  I am looking forward to a pain-free future."