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Disc Replacement Q & A

What is artificial disc replacement?

Your spine is a column of bones (vertebrae). Discs are rubbery pads that cushion your spine and allow the vertebrae to rotate and move without grinding together. Injuries, medical conditions, and growing older can call cause damage to discs and lead to pain.

Disc replacement is a type of spine surgery that involves removing a worn or damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. These artificial discs are made of metal, sometimes combined with plastic.

Why would I need a disc replacement?

Dr. Singer and the team at Specialists in Spine Surgery take a conservative approach to treatment and always make sure to explore every available nonsurgical option before they consider surgery.

If you suffer from back pain due to a damaged or worn disc that doesn’t go away with conservative treatments, disc replacement may be right for you.

What are the advantages of disc replacement?

Spinal fusion is the traditional, and more commonly used, surgical procedure to treat a worn or degenerated disc. However, spinal fusion requires the team at Specialists in Spine Surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae together. This relieves pain, but it prevents you from moving your spine normally. Disc replacement is a newer alternative to spinal fusion that maintains normal mobility in your spine. Additionally, recovery time may be shorter with disc replacement than with spinal fusion because your bones don’t need to heal.

What should I expect from artificial disc replacement surgery?

First, the team at Specialists in Spine Surgery carefully reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to make sure you’re a good candidate for artificial disc replacement. They explain the risks and benefits of the procedure so you can make a confident decision.

Disc replacement surgery occurs while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. Your board-certified surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen to access your spine without moving nerves.

They remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one. The procedure should take about 2-3 hours. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days.

To learn more about artificial disc replacement, call Specialists in Spine Surgery TODAY!