Lumbar Disc Replacement

Lumbar disc replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged or herniated disc in the lower back and replacing it with an artificial disc. This procedure is recommended for patients who have chronic back pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections. Lumbar disc replacement may also be recommended for patients who have a single level disc herniation or degenerative disc disease, are between the ages of 18 and 60, have not had previous spinal surgery, and have a healthy bone density. 

Lumbar disc replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or degenerated disc in the lower back with an artificial disc. The procedure is usually performed through a small incision in the abdomen or flank. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will gently move aside the surrounding muscles and tissues to access the damaged disc. The damaged disc is then removed, and the artificial disc is inserted into the empty disc space. The artificial disc is designed to function like a natural disc and provide support to the spine. The procedure typically takes a few hours and requires general anesthesia.

After the surgery, patients typically stay overnight. Physical therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain strength and mobility. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but the recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. Lumbar disc replacement is often recommended for patients who have not responded to other conservative treatments and have debilitating back pain or limited mobility. It may also be recommended for patients who have had a previous spinal fusion surgery and are experiencing adjacent segment disease.

• Preserves natural motion: One of the primary benefits of lumbar disc replacement is that it allows for the preservation of natural motion in the spine. This can help to reduce the risk of adjacent level degeneration, which is a potential complication of fusion surgery.
• Quicker recovery time: Because lumbar disc replacement is a less invasive procedure than fusion, patients may experience a quicker recovery time. Patients are often able to return to their normal activities sooner than they would after fusion surgery.
• Reduced risk of complications: Lumbar disc replacement may be associated with a lower risk of certain complications than fusion surgery, such as infection and adjacent level degeneration.
• No need for bone grafting: In fusion surgery, bone grafting is typically necessary to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together. With lumbar disc replacement, no bone grafting is required.
• Better outcomes for certain patients: Lumbar disc replacement may be a better option for certain patients, such as those with limited spinal degeneration or those who have had previous spinal surgery.