Ying H. Chen, DO, FACOS
Neurosurgeon
Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
What is lumbar artificial disc replacement, and how is it performed?
Artificial disc replacement is a cutting-edge surgical procedure that has gained popularity as a treatment option for patients suffering from chronic back pain in the lumbar spine.
This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have exhausted conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy and medication and are experiencing chronic pain due to disc degeneration, herniation, or other spine conditions.
If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic back pain in the lumbar spine, don’t hesitate to explore your treatment options. Contact us today at OrthoNeuro to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of artificial disc replacement.
Our team of experienced professionals in Columbus, Ohio is committed to providing personalized care and helping our patients achieve optimal outcomes. Don’t let back pain control your life—take the first step towards a pain-free future and schedule your appointment today!
What Is Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery?
Lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery is a procedure that involves replacing a damaged or degenerated disc in the lumbar spine with an artificial disc.
The lumbar spine, which is the lower back region, is particularly vulnerable to disc problems due to the high degree of stress and pressure it experiences on a daily basis. When a disc in the lumbar spine becomes damaged, it can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a decreased quality of life.
Why Might I Need a Lumbar Disc Replacement?
Some of the most common reasons why someone might need a lumbar disc replacement include:
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis
- Failed back surgery
Before recommending lumbar disc replacement, doctors will typically perform a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, which may include diagnostic imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the extent of the disc damage and to rule out other potential causes of the patient’s symptoms.
If conservative treatments have been unsuccessful and the patient is a good candidate for surgery, lumbar disc replacement may be recommended as a way to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.
What Happens During Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery?
During the artificial disc replacement surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and an incision is made in the lower back. The surgeon then removes the damaged disc and inserts an artificial disc made of metal or plastic materials. There are several types of artificial discs available, including those made from metal, plastic, or a combination of both.
The artificial disc is designed to replicate the natural function of a healthy disc, providing cushioning and shock absorption between the adjacent vertebrae. Once the artificial disc is in place, the incision is closed, and the patient is monitored before being discharged from the hospital.
Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Vs Spinal Fusion Surgery
Artificial disc replacement surgery and spinal fusion surgery are two different procedures used to treat spinal problems. While both surgeries aim to relieve back pain and improve spinal function, they differ in their approach and long-term outcomes.
During spinal fusion surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged disc and fuse the adjacent vertebrae together using bone grafts, metal plates, screws, or other hardware. This process eliminates motion between the fused vertebrae, which can help to reduce pain and instability.
Artificial disc replacement surgery, on the other hand, involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc that is designed to mimic the natural disc’s function. Unlike spinal fusion surgery, which fuses the vertebrae together, artificial disc replacement surgery preserves spinal mobility, allowing for a more natural range of motion.
One of the main benefits of artificial disc replacement surgery over spinal fusion surgery is that it maintains flexibility in the spine, which can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve the patient’s quality of life. In contrast, spinal fusion surgery can lead to a loss of flexibility, which may cause additional stress on the adjacent vertebrae, leading to degeneration and more surgeries in the future.
Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery
After artificial disk replacement surgery, patients will typically stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, they will be monitored closely to ensure there are no complications and that the recovery process is progressing as expected.
Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, they will need to take it easy for the first few weeks, avoiding any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Patients are encouraged to walk around as much as possible, as this can help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Patients may experience some discomfort in the disc space after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Patients are advised to follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding medication and any other post-operative care.
Patients will typically return to work and other normal activities within four to six weeks after the surgery, but this can vary depending on the individual patient’s recovery progress. Patients should avoid activities that involve bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects for several weeks after the surgery to avoid putting undue stress on the new artificial disc.
How Long Does an Artificial Disc Replacement Last?
One of the most common questions patients have is how long the artificial disk replacement lasts. While there is no definitive answer to this question, studies have shown that the lifespan of an artificial disk replacement can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and the type of disk replacement used.
Some studies have reported that the average lifespan of an artificial disk replacement is around 10 years. However, newer models of artificial disks are continually being developed, which may have a longer lifespan.
Another factor that can impact the lifespan of an artificial disk replacement is the patient’s level of activity. Patients who are more active and engage in high-impact activities may experience more wear and tear on the artificial disk, which can shorten its lifespan. Conversely, patients who are more sedentary and engage in low-impact activities may experience a longer lifespan for their artificial disk replacement.
Learn More About Disc Replacement Surgeries
Looking for a safe and effective solution to treat your lumbar spine problems? At OrthoNeuro, we offer state-of-the-art artificial lumbar spine replacement surgery, which can help you alleviate pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.
Contact one of our offices in Columbus, OH today to learn more about this innovative procedure and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons. Don’t let lumbar spine problems hold you back any longer—take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life today!
Medically reviewed by Ying H. Chen, DO, FACOS
Related Services
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Herniated Disc
- Lumbar Back Strain
- Discitis
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis Spine Fractures
- Arthritis in the Spine
- Spondylosis
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Spondylolysis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Cervical Myelopathy
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
- Sacroiliac Joint Injection
- Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Revision Spine Surgery
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Discectomy
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
- Minimally Invasive Laminectomy
- Minimally Invasive Cervical Spinal Fusion
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“I recently had surgery on my lower back. I had heard that such surgery would result in pain and cause me difficulties in doing ordinary daily tasks but, I experienced no pain and was able to do normal activities at home and at church. Also, being a bee keeper, I was able to work the hives and extract the honey from most of the hives”
James B.
Patient
