Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial Disc Replacement involves
replacing a painful disc that is causing chronic back pain with an
artificial disc that provides pain relief without compromising the
spine’s natural anatomical structure. Artificial disc replacement
surgery may be performed on the lower back (lumbar spine) or the neck
(cervical spine). Artificial discs are structurally similar to the
damaged discs that are replaced and share similar functions, including
acting as shock absorbers in the back or neck.Artificial
discs are usually made of metal or plastic-like (biopolymer) materials
or a combination of the two. These materials have been used in the body
for many years. Total disc replacements have been used in Europe since
the late 1980s. The most commonly used total disc replacement designs
have two plates. One attaches to the vertebrae above the disc being
replaced and the other to the vertebrae below. Some devices have a soft,
compressible plastic-like piece between these plates. The devices allow
motion by smooth, usually curved, surfaces sliding across each other.
Artificial Disc Replacement versus Spinal Fusion
After
various other non-surgical treatments, if you are still experiencing
lower back pain, a Houston back specialist may recommend either
artificial disc replacement or a spinal fusion procedure. However, which
one is best for you? Your physician will provide this information based
on your specific needs, but it’s certainly beneficial to learn more
about these minimally invasive back surgery procedures and their
differences.
Spinal fusion
involves a fortification around a degenerated disc which keeps it from
moving and causing pain. This bond is made by creating a connection with
the vertebrae surrounding the problematic disc with intervertebral cages, pedicle screws, or bone connections. Bone grafts can either be artificial or harvested directly from the patient.
Artificial
disc replacement completely removes the eroded or painful disc and
replaces it with a prosthetic implant, typically made of plastic or
metal, that perfectly fills in the missing gap. This procedure is highly
effective but it’s not a solution for everyone because it only treats a
few types of disc pathology. In some cases, an artificial disc
replacement and a spinal fusion can be used together to create a more
effective solution.
Candidates for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
As
mentioned before, artificial disc replacement surgery isn’t for
everyone. At UGH Pain and Spine, we develop a roadmap to recovery based
on your specific needs. But to ensure you are well-informed, here are a
few things required before an artificial disc replacement is considered.
- You suffer from chronic lower back pain which takes a toll on your everyday life.
- You are between the ages of 18 and 60.
- You’ve tried other non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, for at least 6 months.
- You have been recommended surgical options by a board-certified spine physician.
If
you’d like to learn more about artificial disc replacement or other
minimally invasive back surgery options, we highly recommend reaching
out to a skilled spine doctor at UGH Pain and Spine. We make genuine
efforts to offer long-lasting solutions and conservative pain management
based on your unique needs.