Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

There are many people out there who bear the pangs of the unremitting pain lower back. Sometimes condition becomes so grave that they become dependent on family members. In cases where patients do not respond to aggressive conservative or nonsurgical treatment for at least six months, orthopedic surgeon recommends surgery as the last resort. Pain and other symptoms can make completing everyday activities difficult. This is when surgery is performed to bring about pain respite and restore ability to function.   For patients who are suffering from the problem of spinal osteoarthritis, there are two types of surgeries performed – Artificial Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion. Sometimes artificial disc replacement is also known as total disc replacement.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery refers to a surgical procedure in which painful disc is replaced with an artificial disc. It is performed on the neck that is cervical spine or the lower back, lumbar spine. Artificial discs are designed with an objective of mimicking the form as well as the function of the natural disc of the spine.

As an artificial disc replacement is one of the most complicated and major surgical procedures performed in and around the spine and vascular structures, there is also a risk of paralysis or death.  And, just like any other spine fusion surgery performed for alleviating pain lower back and improving function, the patient still has chances to suffer from low back pain. However, the risks associated with surgery can be substantially mitigated by making sure that the diagnosis is correct and the patient is the candidate for this surgery. Once surgery is performed, patients can experience and feel respite in pain, thus resume normal life.