Freedom Lumbar Disc (FLD) - 2nd Generation Artificial Disc

[Carson]

I injured two discs in April of 2007 and have been doing what research I'm able to since. We always hear technology moves exponentially but it's really becoming evident the last two years with more options, both major and less invasive (e.g. firbrin sealant), popping up all the time. With more options comes improvements as well as more to research and be confused by so I'm deeply grateful to the hive mind here for any help and thanks to Justin and Terry for the forum. Is any one participating in the Freedom Lumbar Disc trial or have a Freedom Disc?

"Second Generation Disc" reads like marketing vocabulary to me; I don't know what, if anything, constitutes a "first" or "second" generation but I like the design. News of this (Freedom) disc has been available for a while and there could be information on this board about it; forgive me if so. In my research of the last couple of years my biggest concern with ADR is feeling some designs don't function anatomically correct enough, if at all. That's just a personal, novice view. This Freedom design seems to be more aimed at replicating the "full cushion" anatomically accurate movement of an actual intervertabral disc more so than some designs to this point.

There are discs which precede this one that use an elastomer-center design but this is one of the few times I've looked at a design and got that "wow, yes, that's a bit more like it." feeling. Then again, with every new design there are new concerns. "Newer" by no means guarantees "better" but I think this disc looks good in the same way I instinctively like the design of the Active-L. Any thoughts? Thank you.

[Justin]

Hey Carson,

I'm sorry to read about your accident, but it does sound like you are researching as much as you can which is key to ultimately becoming a well-informed Spine Patient.

I think the Freedom Lumbar Disc is a great design. In regard to the "Second Generation Disc," I believe they are focusing on the polymer allowing more natural motion and permitting some compressive forces. The "First Generation Discs" replicate motion of the spine but they aren't physiological. With the next generation of discs, we are now seeing spinal motion that more closely resembles physiological motion. Like you said, the new designs and options for Spine Patients are exciting in that treatment is now expanding to the whole spectrum of disc degeneration.

BTW, thank you for your supportive posts on the Forum! I do hope we can help you in your quest to feel better and please keep us posted on your progress.

[KBear]

Carson, I was supposed to be in the Freedom Clinical Trial at Texas Back Institute; but was disqualified due to previous litigation regarding my spine.

I can not remember the persons name; but someone on these boards did receive the freedom disc and was doing great. I would definitely look more into this, especially since you can still get in on the clinical trial.

Good Luck!
Kathy

[Carson]

Thank you Justin. Thank you K-Bear. Ah ha, so there is an element that distuinguishes "first" from "second" generation. Thanks very much for that clarity.

I just realized there is another person posting about the Freedom Disc; I missed it as I didn't see the disc name in the thread title. Sorry for that. It sounds like she may soon be participating in the trial. Very exciting and best of luck to you, Linda

It's always seemed to me the best disc designs will ultimately be those which most closely mimic the behavior of an actual intervertabral disc. Wow, in just 10 years, I wonder if engineering and medicine will collide to the point that we will actually know artificial discs that will be an improvement upon our natural discs. And implantation could become so efficient that patients could stop waiting until pain is unbearable to have surgery and, instead, have surgery upon the first sign of significant degeneration! Early replacement, instead of waiting, could prevent facet arthrosis, avoid osteophytes, irreparable nerve damage and much more. It would be amazing. Here's to hoping. Thanks agian.

[Justin]

No problem, Carson. The future of medicine is really exciting in regard to future therapies that will be theoretically applied in the early stages of disc degeneration. "Better" artificial discs, chondrocyte harvesting, stem cells injections, specific gene targeting will all be available to Spine Patients in the future. It will be absolutely exciting to see the advances that are made in the coming years and the millions of people that are subsequently given their lives back.

Good luck in your research, Carson. Keep us posted!