Artificial Disc Replacement- New Hope Chronic Back Pain

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The advent of a spinal surgical breakthrough, in the form of artificial disc replacement surgery provides new hope for chronic back pain sufferers in effectively helping to eliminate pain while allowing patients to retain normal body motin and flexibility.

In artificial disc replacement, the worn out disc is replaced with an artificial disc made of plastic and metal. The artificial disc mimics normal spinal movement, providing patients with greater flexibility.

Artificial disc replacement provides pain relief and increases patient activity levels, restores disc space height and lordosis, maintains segmental spinal motion and flexibility.

"Artificial disc replacement removes the source of pain almost immediately and allows long time sufferers to resume everyday activities," says Dr David Wong, consultant spine and orthopaedic surgeon at Raffles Hospital.

Unlike traditional spinal surgery (spinal fusion) that involves a long rehabilitation period of at least four months, artificial disc replacement patients fully recover within six weeks. Dr Wong is one of the leading authorities on disc replacement surgery in Singapore with 32 cases under his belt.

Special thanks to Dr David Wong - Consultant Spine and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Raffles Hospital

Sports Alive:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

In the pursuit of sporting activities, it is not uncommon for many to sprain their knees. Soccer and basketball players constitute the majority of patients who sustain serious damage to their knee. Most commonly, the anterior cruciate ligament is torn as a result.

This injury can be debilitating because the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee is an important stabiliser of the knee, especially during pivoting manaoeuvres like turning on the run, jumping, accelerating and decelerating.

Restoration of knee stability and return to activity can generally be expected in the majority of patients after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstrution. Use of the hamstring tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has become increasingly popularity due to superior structural strength, as compared to the patellar tendon graft.

An alternative technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction without the use of any implants has been developed in recent years. Implant-free reconstruction can avoid the potential problems of implants and lessen cost.

Special thanks to Dr Tho Kam San, Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon, Island Orthopaedic Consultants, Mount Alvernia Medical Centre, Mount Alvernia Hospital.

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