What Is Lumbar Disc Replacement?
Lumbar disc replacement (lumbar disc arthroplasty) addresses degenerative disc disease in the low back by removing the damaged disc and implanting a mobile artificial disc device in its place, rather than fusing the adjacent vertebrae. The goal is to relieve discogenic pain while maintaining more natural motion and reducing stress on neighboring discs compared to fusion.
Who It's For
Best suited to patients with single-level (occasionally two-level) discogenic low back pain without significant facet arthritis, spinal instability, or prior fusion in the lumbar spine. It's most often considered in younger, active patients seeking to preserve motion and avoid the adjacent-segment stress associated with fusion.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The disc is approached from the front of the body through a small lower-abdominal incision, similar to the exposure used for ALIF. The damaged disc is removed, disc height is restored, and an artificial disc device — designed to allow flexion, extension, and some rotation — is implanted in its place.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients stay in the hospital one to two nights. Early walking is encouraged, with temporary restrictions on heavy lifting and bending while the surgical site heals. Because no fusion needs to mature, return to motion and daily activity is often faster than after a comparable fusion procedure, typically over four to eight weeks with physical therapy.