BACKGROUND: About 12 million Americans have degenerative disc disease, or a herniated disc. As we age, the spongy discs separating the bones of our vertebrae start to dry out. When this happens, the discs compress, allowing the center of the disc -- or the nucleus -- to bulge out and actually rupture. Fragments of disc material can then press on the nerve roots that surround the spine, causing numbness, tingling or pain. Other symptoms of the condition include spasms of the back muscles, intermittent or continuous back pain often made worse by moving, coughing, sneezing or standing for long period of time, sciatica -- pain that starts in the back or buttocks and continues down the leg to the calf or foot, and decreased reflexes at the knee or ankle. Most of these herniations occur in the lower back. The condition can be diagnosed with an X-ray, MRI or myelogram.

TREATING A HERNIATED DISC: There are many non-surgical options to consider when a disc herniation is discovered. These include weight loss, pain medications and physical therapy. But for many patients, the herniation is so severe that surgery is the only option. Traditionally, surgeons will perform a lumbar discectomy, where they remove the bulging portion of the nucleus and some of the "jelly" matter in the nucleus. However, this leaves an open hole in the annulus -- or outer covering -- of the disc, making the disc vulnerable for a future herniation. Doctors say up to 15 percent of patients suffer a recurrent disc herniation through the previous incision and require a re-operation.

PREVENTING ANOTHER: With the Xclose Tissue Repair System -- still in trials and not widely available to all doctors and patients -- surgeons repair or close the tear in the ring caused by the herniation. This is done with two polyester bands placed on either side of the open incision, drawing the tissue together. Doctors say the material is inert and will not react to the body or affect the nerve sac sitting on the suture. Patients are usually walking the same day of the operation. Doctors recommend patients begin physical therapy after surgery and with the Xclose system, patients can start therapy and exercise within ten days to two weeks of the operation.

Researchers say this procedure could work for any patient with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. However, the procedure can only be done during the initial surgery and cannot be done to correct previous disc surgeries. Studies of the Xclose Tissue Repair System are currently being done across the country. See the information below to find a testing facility near you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: The Texas Back Institute