Kyle Spooner - Charité Artificial Disc

Most people don't expect to deal with chronic back pain in their early 30s, but as a new father, Kyle Spooner found he couldn't even bend down to pick up his infant twins. Kyle injured himself at age 29 while moving a garden fountain at home, and after 18 months trying physical therapy, cortisone shots and acupuncture, he still had to use pain medication to get through his days. He had already cut back on socializing and weekend golfing, and the birth of the twins made him decide a life in pain is no way to live. His father had had a great experience with Texas Back Institute, so Kyle asked his own doctor for a referral.

Kyle was eligible to participate in Texas Back Institute's clinical trial of the Charité artificial disc being evaluated for approval in the United States. Kyle discussed the trial with orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Scott Blumenthal, studied the technology (which already was being used successfully in Europe) and decided it was his best option for optimal relief.

Kyle became the first Charité disc patient in the United States, undergoing surgery in March 2000. He felt immediate relief. After only three days in the hospital, he recovered at home and was back at work in two weeks. Best of all, he was able to pick up his six-month-old twins. For the past seven years - during which the Charité disc was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Kyle has been skiing, golfing and experiencing the quality of life he had before his injury.

Kyle credits Dr. Blumenthal and Texas Back Institute, and recommends them to anyone experiencing back pain. "I'm a 100 percent believer in Texas Back Institute. The surgery has done wonders for me - it was very much a life-changing event."

Other Patient Testimonials

Virginia Burdell - Trans1 AxiaLIF Surgery

Paul Deasy - ProDisc-L Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Susan Ellis - CoPE Program

Daniel MacDonald - CoPE Program

Mary Morse - Charité Artificial Disc

Kyle Spooner - Charité Artificial Disc