Texas Back Institute Explores Dynamic Stabilization Procedures As Alternative To Traditional Spine Therapy

The SpineMark Clinical Research Organization at Texas Back Institute in Plano, Texas, has taken the next step in offering patients multiple treatment options for spine care. Spinal fusions continue to be the standard of care for treating many disabling degenerative spinal conditions. But spinal fusions are not appropriate for everyone. In a move to provide patients with alternative therapies, SpineMark CRO at TBI is now enrolling patients in several clinical trials using motion preservation spinal devices aimed at maintaining natural movement.

Back pain has become a way of life for more than 50 million people in the United States. In 2005, an estimated 1 million surgeries were performed to correct spinal problems. That number exceeds the combined total of surgeries to replace hips or knees. The growing number of people with degenerative disc disease has created a major industry based on spinal fusion technology and products.

Today, the treatment of back pain and spinal problems is at a major crossroad. On one side is the public's desire to address chronic back pain through less invasive methods. The result has put a focus on new technologies that use smaller surgical incisions, or other methods aimed at preserving motion of the disc space, many without the need for fusion. On the other side, the FDA and spine surgeons in the U.S. are showing restraint in order to properly evaluate these new techniques before considering them a new standard of care.

The demand from patients and insurance companies for better treatment options has persuaded surgeons to look at the alternatives as well as the success rate for traditional fusion surgery. Data shows that the majority of lumbar fusion patients receive benefits from surgery. Extremely high success rates can now be attained from fusion procedures, but despite that, only about two-thirds of patients enjoy significant relief from back pain or regain desired function. Those published statistics are among the reasons why surgeons and their patients are looking to emerging technologies and new systems to deal with these spinal issues in a different way.

Public support for these new technologies can be seen in the dramatic growth of the industry. Sales of the emerging spinal motion preserving devices are increasing at an annual rate of 50 percent and should exceed $1.5 billion by 2009.

Patients with chronic back problems can access many of the leading traditional and motion preservation spinal devices being tested in the U.S. through SpineMark CRO at TBI in Plano, Texas. Patients are encouraged to speak with a spine care provider to discuss which option is best for their individual case.

Research studies for new spinal devices are directed at patients who are looking for the latest technology to bring their lives closer to normal. And with some of the best physicians and surgeons in the field of spinal care conducting these studies, participants will have that opportunity at the SpineMark CRO at TBI clinical research site.

"While fusions continue to be the gold standard, dynamic spine stabilization is at the forefront of advances in spine care," said Marcy Rogers, President and CEO of SpineMark Corporation. "We value the opportunity to participate in trials that could lead to additional treatment options for patients in search of a therapy that is right for them."

The implant market is the fastest growing market in healthcare. "Studies say that it will increase by 15-20 percent over the next 10 years," said Dr. Jack Zigler, president of SpineMark CRO at TBI. "In the interest of patients, it is important to get the new devices evaluated as efficiently as possible. The SpineMark CRO at TBI not only boasts an extraordinary physician and surgeon investigator group, but has married it to a clinical research organization infrastructure with solid and proven experience in regulatory compliance, stringent data collection, and patient safety monitoring. That combination is the ideal model for clinical research."

About SpineMark CRO at TBI

SpineMark CRO at TBI is the research arm for Texas Back Institute (TBI). TBI is one of the largest freestanding spine specialty clinics in the United States. The Institute, based in Plano, Texas, was established in 1978 and provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with back and neck pain. As an academic health care organization, TBI has trained hundreds of physicians, scientists and allied health professionals. SpineMark CRO at TBI employs state-of-the-art technology and research to treat patients and is involved in the most clinical trials of artificial discs. The professional staff there includes board-certified spine surgeons, general surgeons, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. SpineMark CRO at TBI's main office is located in Plano, Texas.

SpineMark Clinical Research Organization
SpineMark Clinical Research Organization