Disc replacement surgery is a modern procedure that offers an alternative to spinal fusion for those suffering from chronic back or neck pain.
Contact our team at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties today to receive the highest quality care!
Disc replacement (also called artificial disc replacement) is a surgical procedure where a damaged spinal disc is replaced with a prosthetic disc. This artificial disc acts as a cushion between the vertebrae, mimicking the function of a healthy disc to restore mobility and reduce pain. Unlike spinal fusion, which limits movement by permanently joining vertebrae, artificial disc replacement preserves the natural movement of the spine.
Disc replacement surgery is primarily used to treat conditions affecting the spine, particularly those involving wear and tear or injury to the spinal discs. Common conditions treated by artificial disc replacement surgery include:
By addressing the underlying issues in the lumbar spine or cervical spine, disc replacement surgery can significantly improve a patient’s symptoms and mobility.
Some conditions that it doesn’t help treat include scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
Not everyone with back or neck pain is a candidate for disc replacement surgery. Generally, good candidates for artificial disc replacement include:
Your surgeon will evaluate your overall spine health to determine if lumbar disc replacement or cervical spine surgery is the best option for you.
The most frequently replaced discs are located in the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck). Lumbar total disc replacement is performed to treat lower back pain, while cervical spine surgery focuses on relieving pain in the neck area. Both procedures are designed to preserve the normal motion of the spine and offer a faster recovery compared to traditional spinal fusion.
During disc replacement surgery, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. Here’s an overview of how the procedure typically unfolds:
The length of disk replacement surgery depends on the complexity of the case, but most procedures take between 2 to 3 hours. Following the surgery, patients typically spend 1-3 days in the hospital for observation before being discharged to recover at home.
Recovery from disc replacement surgery varies depending on the patient and the specific surgery performed. A general timeline is as follows:
Studies show that artificial disc replacement surgery has a high success rate, with patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility. Success rates for lumbar disc replacement can reach up to 90%, depending on the patient’s overall health and the severity of the condition.
Additionally, the surgery has been found to reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease, a condition that can occur after spinal fusion, where the discs next to the fused segment degenerate over time.
While disc replacement surgery can offer excellent results, there are alternatives to consider, particularly for patients who may not be ideal candidates. Alternatives include:
If you’re struggling with chronic back or neck pain, disc replacement surgery may be the solution you need. At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, our spine experts are here to guide you through the process and provide the highest level of care.
Contact us at one of our four convenient locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, Middlefield, or Geneva, Ohio, to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options. Take control of your spine health and start your journey to pain relief today!
Medically reviewed by George J. Kellis, M.D.
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