Last summer, I was asked to testify at the FDA  hearing for the Bryan® Cervical Disc.  For the last five years, I had participated in the clinical trial for this cervical artificial disc.  This cervical artificial disc provides a surgical alternative to a traditional fusion in spine surgery.

 

Also testifying at this hearing, was one of my patients.  This patient was accepted into the trial and had the cervical artificial disc implanted in 2002.  Suffering from a herniated cervical disc – this procedure brought him much needed relief.  As an avid golfer – he was excited to be accepted into the trial.  Now, he can easily be found on area golf courses or sometimes water-skiing in area lakes. 

 

This cervical artificial disc did receive preliminary FDA approval at the hearing (July 2007).  Final FDA approval is expected sometime late in 2008.

 

Additionally, in July 2007 – the Prestige Cervical Disc did receive FDA approval.  Here is the link to the media release.