March 25, 2020 / by Texas Back Institute
Anniversaries serve an important function. They allow us to reflect on how far we have come, and where we can still go in the future. This year is the 20th anniversary of the artificial disc replacement procedure being performed at Texas Back Institute and thousands of patients are celebrating with them!
As the first year of a new millennium, 2000 was a particularly momentous time. The first International Space Station crew arrived to live in outer space and after fifty years, cartoonist Charles Schultz drew his last “Peanuts” strip. Additionally, in March of 2000, at Texas Back Institute, three world-class spine surgeons made medical history by performing an artificial disc replacement procedure. Over the 20 years since, more than 3,500 patients have come to understand the significance of this surgical advancement. 
Three TBI surgeons – Drs. Scott Blumenthal, Richard Guyer, and Jack Zigler – have been the pioneers in the application of artificial disc replacement for motion preservation and they are responsible for improving the lives of thousands of patients. Each bring a unique perspective and expertise making this innovative advancement extremely monumental for the industry.