Bryce Wulf - Artifical Disc Replacement

Diagnosis: A talented cornerback for the Rocky Mountain College football team, Bryce, 23, was diving for the ball one day when an expected tackle left him gasping in pain. After team doctors carried him out, he later learned he had ruptured a disc in his lower back. Suffering spasms and finding it difficult even to bend, Bryce made an appointment with NRN in early 2005. Another MRI showed the effects of degenerative disc disease, clouding Bryce’s future in sports and fitness activities.

Treatment: Months earlier, the Federal Drug Administration had approved a new surgery for artificial disc replacement (ADR). In contrast to the alternative of a lumbar fusion, ADR can retain the natural movement in the spine – important for active lifestyles. Dr. Copeland performed Bryce’s anterior surgery in April 2005 and substituted the weakened disc for a rubber implant.

Bryce was back on his feet the first day after surgery, immediately with more natural spine movement. Eight weeks later, the disc had settled comfortably in the bone, and the dull soreness and muscle aches were completely eradicated.

Result: Bryce has graduated from college and set his sights on an MBA. But more importantly, he’s back to doing what he loves most: checking out the greens on the fairway, dusting off sand at the baseball diamond, and swooshing through snow and water on skis. Another victory for the sports guy.

After a football injury, a ruptured disc left him struggling just to get out of a car. Bryce had an artificial disc placed and within months was back to participating in four sports.

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