Welcome
Lane County surgeon leads U.S. trial of injectable nucleus for herniated discs - April 2006
Scott H. Kitchel, M.D., of Orthopedic Spine Associates in Eugene and Springfield, has been chosen as principal investigator of a clinical trial of an injectable nucleus for herniated spinal discs. Kitchel is the only U.S. surgeon involved in the trial.
Trials of the procedure are under way in Switzerland and Australia. The first trial of the injectable nucleus was done in Europe at the end of 2004, and the first in Australia was done earlier this year. The U.S. trial is expected to last two years, and Kitchel is likely to be the only U.S. surgeon to be involved during the first year.
In the clinical study, the injectable nucleus will be implanted following a standard surgical procedure to remove a herniated, or bulging, spinal disc. The injected material will fill the void created when herniated nuclear material is surgically removed from the disc. The artificial material is injected in liquid form and then rapidly cures to a gel that has physical properties similar to those of the natural nucleus. According to Kitchel, the goal of the procedure is to supplement the remaining natural nucleus and in so doing, restore the normal biomechanics of the disc.
"This is one of the most exciting technologies I have seen in the field of spine surgery, and I'm very encouraged by the early study results coming out of Europe," says Kitchel. "Unlike many other spinal implants, the injectable nature of the material allows it to be used in a minimally invasive fashion so it minimizes damage to the surrounding tissues. The injectable nucleus has the potential to help thousands of patients who suffer from back and associated leg pain."
The injectable nucleus has not been fully approved for use (beyond the trial stage) in any country.
Kitchel, founder of Orthopedic Spine Associates, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and a highly regarded clinical researcher who has received recognition as one of America's best orthopedic surgeons by the Consumer Research Council. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of orthopedic surgery at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, Ore. Orthopedic Spine Associates is a specialty medical practice devoted to comprehensive spine care for adult and pediatric patients throughout the Pacific Northwest. More information about Kitchel and Orthopedic Spine Associates is available by phoning (541) 393-0100 or by visiting www.orthopedicspineassociates.com.