Disc implants

[arcticpenguin]

http://www.startribune.com/stories/1556/3892702.html

Artificial discs have long been used in Europe but remain experimental in this country. Two major studies nearing completion could change that: For the first time, scientists will know just how such implants compare to the only other alternative patients like Rice have had - major surgery to fuse together two vertebrae in the lower back.

Preliminary results are promising enough that doctors expect one artificial back disc to be on the U.S. market as early as next year.

This is of personal interest to me. Might be of interest to anyone else with disc-related pain.

Anyone in Europe familiar with this?