The CHARITE Artificial Disc is the most significant advancement in the treatment of disabling, chronic low back pain and degenerative disc disease in more than 40 years.

The most common form of treatment of degenerative disc disease is spinal fusion, which joins vertebrae together using bone grafts and metal screws so that motions no longer occurs in the treated area. Clinical trials show that patients with the CHARITE Artificial Disc have greater flexibility and experience pain relief sooner than those patients that undergo traditional spinal fusions.
The CHARITE Artificial Disc is a device made of two metal endplates and a moveable high-density plastic center, that once implanted, is designed to help align the spine and preserve its ability to move. Spinal discs maintain the position of the spine and allow for the flexibility to bend and twist.

The implantation of the CHARITE Artificial Disc requires a team of surgeons, in this case consisting of general/vascular surgeon, Dr. Randy Mullins of Ferrell-Duncan Clinic, and neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Crabtree, also of Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute, assisting Dr. Ceola. The general/vascular surgeon approaches the spine through an abdominal incision and carefully moves vessels and organs to allow access to the spine. The neurosurgeon then removes the damaged disc and creates space for the artificial lumbar disc.

Dr. Ceola received comprehensive training consisting of hands-on surgery, consultation with other surgeons, lectures and web-based training, all sponsored by DePuy Spine, the creator of the CHARITE Artificial Disc. Dr. Ceola’s partners, Drs. Briggs, Crabtree, Ferguson, Mace, Rahman, and Strang are currently being trained to perform this new procedure.

The CHARITE Artificial Disc will most commonly be indicated for patients without significant joint disease in the lumbar spine, and it is anticipated that 10% of the patient population that currently receives a fusion will be candidates for the CHARITE Artificial Disc.

For further information, contact:
Hannah Flannigan, 417-885-3888
Fax: 417-881-7268,