Clarification on points raised in Channel News Asia (CNA) article.

Following a recent CNA article on Singapore doctors developing a new spinal surgery technique dated 30th November 2022, a number of our members have expressed significant concerns regarding several inaccuracies in the article and the misleading nature of the article for the general public.

We would like to make the following points of clarification:

 

1. Artificial Spinal Disc Surgery is not new to Singapore. It was first performed in Singapore in 2002 and is currently performed in all hospitals in Singapore;
    

2. Whilst Cervical Fusion Surgery is still considered to be the gold standard, Artificial Disc Surgery is performed commonly in appropriately selected patients with the potential benefit or maintaining mobility and reducing stress on other segments of the spine;
    

3. Artificial Disc Surgery is not less invasive or less painful than Fusion Surgery;
    

4. In the US Artificial Disc Surgery is indicated for 1-2 levels disc pathologies with radiculopathy or myelopathy symptoms and is contraindicated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with osteoporosis or severe joint degeneration which is commonly seen in older patients. Any use in such patients is considered off label and is not supported by the available literature.

We would recommend that patients discuss their conditions with their individual physicians if they have any concerns or need further clarifications.