Artificial disc replacement, designed as an alternative to spinal fusion, is aimed at treating patients suffering from chronic lower back pain while improving mobility. An artificial disc replaces the worn out intervertebral disc and helps to preserve the spine’s motion.
Synonym
Total Disc Replacement
About the Procedure
You will first be put under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will begin by making an incision of the abdomen, so your spine will be exposed. The affected disc will then be removed and any apparent collapse. A couple of metal discs are next positioned into the vacant space, and a plastic bearing is placed between them to allow them to move.
Benefits
The main benefit of an artificial disc is to remove the pain factor of a damaged or worn out disc. However, besides a great decrease in pain, other benefits include:
• More flexibility to bend forward and backward, rotate and twist
• Avoids disturbing the above and below segments, so preserving the natural anatomy of the other unaffected discs. The surgical success is in the 70 - 80% range, which is not dissimilar to a solid fusion
Who is an ideal candidate?
An ideal candidate would be suffering from chronic lower back pain and have limited mobility.
Recovery
You ought to be out and about walking shortly after surgery, but you will be monitored at hospital for a few days before returning home. The recovery period will last around 6-8 weeks and during that period, you will have to avoid certain activities which your doctor will advise you on. You will also be recommended walking and stretching exercises. For the first 2-3 days at home, you may wish to have someone help with basic housework and perhaps assist with your bathroom and shower duties.
Planning your surgery
Should you be interested in undertaking this surgery, you should first seek out a highly experienced and well-qualified surgeon in spinal surgery and have him/her decipher whether artificial disc replacement is the suitable treatment for you. Do remember at this stage that this kind of treatment is major surgery.
Preparing your surgery
Either quit smoking or seriously cut down and instead, take up a regular exercise routine. As you will be going under anesthesia, avoid any food or drink consumption at least 8 hours prior to surgery. You will be asked to stop taking any non-essential medications and any other remedies. Your doctor may ask you to have a bowel inspection also.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Risks / Complications / Side effects
As this is major surgery in a extremely vital part of the body, the risks are very apparent. The possible risks and complications must be seriously contemplated before deciding to undergo this surgery. They are:
• Allergic reaction to the artificial disc
• Bending, breaking or movement of the artificial disc
• Infection
• Pain
• Nerve or spinal injury
• Numbness
• Tearing of the membrane
• Loss of motion
• Swelling
• Bleeding or blood clotting
• Reaction to anesthesia and at worse death
After your surgery
After surgery, you will be appointed to see your doctor several times in the first year and continue to do so every year or two for the life of the disc replacement.