Disc Prosthesis for Degenerative Disease and Axial Instability-CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc

Spine surgery has entered into a new stage of stabilization with motion preservation and spinal arthroplasty. The Charité Artificial Disc Replacement, one of the first examples, has been developed and refined from 1982 to the present. In a randomized prospective controlled study with single level fusion it was found to be safe and effective and was approved by the FDA in October 2004. To date over 11,000 implantations have been carried out worldwide. This is a demanding procedure that requires strict adherence to proper patient selection, proper implant sizing, and proper implantation technique. While short term follow up is encouraging, long term follow up will answer questions of adjacent segment disease, implant wear, and longevity issues.