Rick Sasso, MD

I was recently interviewed for a news story that announced the FDA approval of the Bryan™ Cervical Disc. The Bryan Cervical Disc is an artificial disc used in cervical arthroplasty. 

This story also appeared on their web site which generated a few reader’s comments/questions. This blog entry – will address some of those questions. 

Blogger question: Can it be used in the lower back?

The Bryan Cervical Disc can only be used in the cervical (neck area) spine. There are two FDA approved artificial discs for the lower back (lumbar spine). They are: CHARITE Artificial Disc, approved by the FDA in 2004 and the ProDisc. Artificial lumbar discs are a surgical option for some patients who are being treated for degenerative disc disease or other related spinal conditions. These links provides more information about the artificial lumbar disc - (article one and article two).

Blogger question: Does this work for someone who has had a fusion done 10 years ago?

The answer to this is no. When a spinal fusion is performed, two bones are “fused” together; meaning that they are attached. In that this procedure is done with the goal of a permanency – it can not really be undone to have cervical arthroplasty performed.