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Breakthrough Artificial Disc Procedure Available at Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. DURHAM, N.C. - Without local precedent to guide them, Drs. Thomas A. Dimmig and David B. Musante, both of Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. (TOA) of Durham have performed another successful Charitè™ Artificial Disc replacement procedure, also known as total disc replacement or spine arthroplasty. Dimmig and Musante are among a small number of surgeons in the region performing this new procedure as part of their continued commitment to providing cutting-edge therapies that include clinical trials in other disc replacement and motion preservation technologies.
"This is a significant breakthrough that has the potential to revolutionize spine surgery. Traditional methods relieve pain by fusing discs, limiting motion. By using the CHARITE artificial disc, we can relieve pain while preserving motion," states Dimmig, president of TOA. The CHARITE Artificial Disc, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2004, is a device made of two metallic endplates and a movable high-density plastic center designed to perform and move like the body's own spinal disc. Patients who cannot manage back pain with conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy may be candidates for a total disc replacement. Recovery is relatively quick, and many patients can drive and resume moderate daily activities within a few days. "Patients are allowed to move and bend right away. There are no rigid corsets for three months like those required following a fusion procedure," comments Musante. "Paul Matherly is a great example of how quickly patients can recover," he adds. Matherly, 28, suffered for nearly two years with a damaged disc and acute back pain from a work-related accident. In May of this year, the construction site foreman underwent total disc replacement surgery at North Carolina Specialty Hospital in Durham. "Before surgery, I was nearly disabled. No medication would take my pain away," says Matherly, a husband and father of two. "Now, because of Dr. Dimmig and Dr. Musante, I can play with my children and live a quality life." Within weeks of the procedure, Matherly has returned to work and reports a 90 percent reduction in pain. Three surgeons worked together during Mr. Matherly’s total disc replacement operation. A general surgeon approached the spine through an incision in the abdomen and carefully moved blood vessels and internal organs out of the way to provide access to the spine. Then, Drs. Dimmig and Musante used special tools to remove the damaged disc and create a space between two vertebrae for the implantation of the artificial disc. The procedure took less than 90 minutes. Drs. Dimmig, Musante, and Liebelt Dimmig, Musante, and fellow TOA associate Dr. Ralph A. Liebelt, have received accreditation to perform the Charitè Artificial Disc replacement through Johnson & Johnson, the disc’s U.S.-based manufacturer. Dimmig received his medical education and training in orthopaedic surgery from Duke University Medical School (DUMS) in Durham. Musante graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and received orthopaedic training at DUMS. In addition, Musante recently completed a spine fellowship with the lead investigator for the FDA trial at The Texas Back Institute, one of 15 medical centers participating in initial clinical research of the disc. Liebelt received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and performed post-graduate at DUMS. He trained as a Fellow in adult reconstructive surgery at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. (TOA) is a physician-directed medical practice based in Durham with satellite offices in Oxford, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Roxboro, and Creedmoor. For 53 years, TOA has offered surgical procedures performed by Fellowship-trained physicia |
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