Disc Replacement Surgery
One of the newest technologies in
back surgery
is the much heralded artificial disc replacement surgery, also known as disc implantation surgery. In this procedure, the biological injured or
degenerated disc
material is removed and an artificial synthetic
intervertebral disc
is implanted in the spine. The technology has been used for many years in Europe, but has still not caught up in popularity or application in the United States. Artificial discs are marvels of scientific medical engineering. Duplicating the form and function of human intervertebral discs is no easy task. Doctors and scientists have come up with several varieties of artificial discs. In the meantime, there is much debate about which style truly serves patients best, endures the tests of actual implantation and minimizes the risk of device failure over an extended timeline of product life. Only time will tell which designs work best in actual
back pain patients. Artificial Lumbar DiscsHere are some of the most commonly used synthetic lumbar discs:* Charite (3 piece) * ProDisc (3 piece) * Maverick (2 piece) * Flexicore (1 piece) * Kineflex (2 piece) Artificial Cervical DiscsHere are the most popular cervical disc substitute counterparts:* Prodisc-C (3 piece) * Bryan (sealed 3 piece) * Prestige (2 piece) * Flexicore (1 piece) * Kineflex (2 piece) * Porous Coated Motion (3 pc) Disc Replacement Surgery vs. FusionDisc replacement surgery is usually much less invasive than traditional spinal surgery. In most artificial lumbar disc replacements, the incision is made in the abdomen and the surgery performed through the front of the body. This anterior approach to spinal operations has been used successfully with virtually all types of procedures and has revolutionized the surgical sector. Recovery time is relatively quick, compared to spinal fusion.Disc replacement maintains the flexibility of the spine and allows continued individual vertebral level movement, unlike fusion. This makes the disc replacement approach a far more enlightened technique which does not cause the enduring degenerative effects associated with spinal fusion surgery. Problems with Artificial Disc ImplantsLong enough term results about the success of these procedures are not always available. Short term studies have shown some amount of device failure, including core slippage in 3 piece discs. Slippage of the entire artificial disc also occured in several of the 1 and 2 piece forms. The question of having to repeat the procedure as the artificial disc wears is also a concern, especially in younger patients.As with all operations, there is risk from anesthetic, infection, device rejection or specific
back surgery complications.
Spinal fluid leaks, nerve damage or simply poor surgical results may occur. The worst possible outcome is surely the all too common
failed back surgery syndrome. Disk Replacement Surgery AdviceI am very interested in these procedures and devices. I think that the future of spinal surgery will move in the direction of implants, rather than fusions. It makes more sense to maintain motion and flexibility where nature designed it, rather than prevent vertebral movement.I watched a video case study on a patient who received 2 artificial lumbar discs. The patient was an active guy and did not like the prospect of a life of restricted physical activity. He had the procedure done through his abdomen and was up and standing that same day of his surgery. It was amazing! He made a fast recovery in a matter of weeks and returned to skiing and sports in a couple of months. It definitely gave me another option to consider for my own future, if my back continues to deteriorate. Disc replacement surgery is a new hope for many pain patients. I recommend following this technology very closely for innovations and advancements. If you are in the market for the procedure now, you might have to do quite a bit of leg work to talk with a variety of doctors who offer different techniques and disc devices. I strongly suggest looking into all your options and not simply finding the most convenient doctor who offers any old type of disc replacement. Get up to date on the industry happenings RIGHT NOW and go with the best product for your needs. Hopefully, time will prove your choice to be a wise one. I would love to hear your experiences if you have received a substitute disc procedure. Please send in your story on the back pain forum to help other patients decide if this option may be indicated for them, as well. Disc Replacement Surgery to Back Pain 7/9/06 Revised 2/4/12 |
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