Disc Replacement
The spine consists of stacked vertebrae. Discs between vertebrae provide cushioning and allow for movement without friction. When discs degenerate over time, this adds stress to the spine by failing to protect the vertebrae. Disc replacement is a spinal surgery that counteracts the breakdown of these crucial components to spine health by replacing worn discs with artificial ones. The artificial discs can be metal, plastic, or a combination of both.
Procedure
There are two types of disc replacement surgery:
Cervical Disc Replacement: Performed in the neck region, this surgery involves a small incision at the front of the neck.
Lumbar Disc Replacement: Conducted in the lower back, this surgery typically requires an incision in the abdomen Disc replacement can effectively alleviate pain, improve mobility, and reduce sensations like tingling in the affected area.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision to access the disc. The incision may be made on your back or the back of your neck or, commonly, made through an incision on the front side of your body (like your lower abdomen).
Your nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues are gently moved aside to provide access to the disc. Once the damaged disc is removed, the surgeon inserts the artificial disc and secures it before closing the incision.
After surgery, you undergo physical therapy to facilitate healing and restore normal spine function and mobility. It’s important to stick with your therapy program to ensure you enjoy the fastest recovery and the best results.
Benefits
- Preservation of Motion: Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement maintains normal spinal movement. Disk replacement surgery may have the advantage of allowing more movement and creating less stress on remaining vertebrae than spinal fusion surgery.
- Reduced Recovery Time: The procedure is less invasive, often allowing patients to return home the same day and resume normal activities within weeks.
- Long-lasting Results: Artificial discs can last for many years, reducing the need for future surgeries.