Disc Replacement Surgery

The newest technology in back surgery is the 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 intervertebral disc is implanted in the spine. The technology has been used for many years in Europe, but is still a developing science 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. Only time will tell which designs work best in actual back pain patients.

Artificial Lumbar Discs

* Charite (3 piece) FDA approved for single level lumbar replacement.

* ProDisc (3 piece) FDA approved for single level lumbar replacement.

* Maverick (2 piece) in clinical trials. ( Very Promising)

* Flexicore (1piece) in clinical trials.

* Kineflex (2 piece) in clinical trials.

Artificial Cervical Discs

* Prodisc-C (3 piece) in clinical trials.

* PCM (Porous Coated Motion) (3 piece) investigational studies.

* Bryan (sealed 3 piece) in clinical trials.

* Prestige (2 piece) in clinical trials.

* Flexicore (1 piece) investigational studies.

* Kineflex (2 piece) in clinical trials.

Disc Replacement Surgery vs. Fusion

Disc 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. Recovery time is relatively quick, compared to spinal fusion.

Disc replacement maintains the flexibility of the spine and allows continued vertebral level movement, unlike fusion. This makes the disc replacement approach a far more enlightened technique which does not cause the long term degenerative effects associated with spinal fusion surgery.

Problems with Artificial Disc Implants

Long 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 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.

Recommendation for Disk Replacement Surgery

I am very interested in these procedures and devices. I DO 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 hope for my own future, if my back had continued to deteriorate. Disc replacement surgery is a new hope for many pain patients. I recommend following this technology very closely for innovations and advancements�
Disc Replacement Surgery to Back Pain Home 7/9/06 Revised 7/9/08