Metal disc could ease neck pain

SAN DIEGO, March 18 (UPI) -- A metal-on-metal artificial disc could stop neck and arm pain caused by degenerative cervical disc disease, Chicago researchers report.

"Implanting this device in the neck may be an effective alternative to spinal fusion," said Dr. Russ P. Nockels, associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Ill.

Nockels presented the findings of a study at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine & Peripheral Nerves. He is the principal investigator for the Loyola site, which is participating in a national clinical trial of the metal artificial disc.

"The disc is strong enough to withstand sudden movement and support the head," Nockels said. "Patients are able to move their head up and down, and from side to side."

The researchers said more than half of people over age 40 have cervical disc disease, characterized by degenerative changes in the upper spine.