About Artifical Discs

In the 1980's two German surgeons developed a metal and plastic prosthesis which has been in clinical use for over 10 years. The prosthesis is known as the SB Charite. SB stands for Schellnack and Buttner, the names of the two original designers. The prosthesis is currently in its third generation design, and is the most implanted artificial disc in the world.

Follow-up looks good Intermediate follow-up studies have reported good and excellent results in approximately 77% of the patients. Although there are several other models currently in use around the world, the number of patients with significant follow-up is low, and therefore most of the results of artificial disc replacements are equated to the performance of the SB Charite III prosthesis.

The first artificial discs were implanted by Dr. Ulf Fernstrom in the 1960's. The prosthesis simply consisted of a steel ball which was placed between the vertebrae to maintain the separation or height, while maintaining mobility. Dr. Fernstrom implanted over 100 of these "Fernstrom Balls."

While the initial results were good, long term follow up revealed problems with the steel balls migrating into the adjacent vertebrae. This implant design has been abandoned, but it is believed that Dr. John F. Kennedy, who suffered from chronic back pain, had a Fernstrom Ball implanted.