While reading this morning about the first spinal disc transplant, I was reminded of the excitement over the artificial disc a while ago. It was a big deal! It was revolutionary! The Seattle Times did a big piece on a woman who was miraculously cured, etc. etc.
I was skeptical, partly because it made sense to be and partly because………hey, I was born that way. 
About this time I talked to a local neurosurgeon and asked him about it. He didn’t think it was very effective. But, people will want it….”so I’ve got to offer it.”
More recently I was at a continuing education meeting with a group of mostly local spine surgeons. The presenter gave a clinical vignette (i.e. a made up patient case, describing a patient with intense, persistent back pain). He then asked how many, by a show of hands, would opt to get a disc replacement surgery if THEY WERE THE PATIENT. Not one hand went up. 50-75 spine surgeons in the room and not one would subject themselves to a disc replacement!
Do unto others as………..?
