Artificial Disc Replacement – An Understanding

A disc is basically a soft cushioning structure which is loacted in between the vertebra. Vertebra is the name for the individual bones of the spine. In normal cases the disc is flexible enough to allow the spine to bend. But as one ages, and due to several other factors the vertebra loses its flexibility leading to pain in the lower back area. It is in this context that artificial disc replacement treatment comes into the picture. It is one of the latest breakthroughs in low back pain treatment and involves replacing an intervertebral disk in the spine with a mechanical device. This device helps in restoring motion to the spine by replacing degenerated disk.

Who should undergo artificial disc replacement?

Usually the patient needs to undergo couple of tests to confirm if he is the right candidate for this surgery. These tests include X-rays, computed tomography (CT scan), discography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) etc. With the help of these tests, the surgeon can also understand the exact source/ area of pain. Usually patients who do not get relief from non-surgical procedures like medications, injections and physical therapy are recommended to go through these tests so that their condition can be analysed in the best possible manner.

Things which are an hindrance to the surgery

In cases wherein the patient is not morbidly obese, has no significant facet joint disease nor any kind of bony compression on nerves as well as suffers from pain mainly from one or two intervertebral disks in the lumbar spine, artificial disc replacement surgery is recommended. It is also important that the patient has not undergone any major surgery in the lumbar spine region prior to this operation and also does not suffer from scoliosis. Along with these conditions, below is a list of situations due to which the patient can not undergo this surgery:

1. Vertebral body fracture

2. Tumor in the spine

3. Infection in the spine

4. Morbid obesity

5. Allergy to materials in the artificial disc

6. Spondylolisthesis

7. Chronic use of steroids

Usually the doctors do not recommend a surgery until the pain has prolonged for more than 6 months at a stretch and the patient does not get any relief from non-operative methods.

Once the surgery is done, the patient has to stay for atleast two to four days in the hospital for observation. First day after the surgery, most patients are encouraged to stand and walk. As this surgery does not involve healing of the bones, the patients are asked to move through the mid-section, this will help them in quicker recovery.

You can visit www.manipalinternationalpatientcare.com or email at mipc@manipalhospitals.com to gain more information on artificial disc replacement surgery.

Manipal is among the best spine surgery hospitals in India!