How long does a artificial disc replacement surgery take?
Most artificial disk replacement surgeries take 2 to 3 hours. Your surgical team will approach your lower back from the front through an incision in your abdomen. With this approach, the organs and blood vessels must be moved to the side. This allows your surgeon to access your spine without moving the nerves.
Is artificial disc replacement a major surgery?
Lumbar disk replacement is generally seen as an alternative to the more common spinal fusion surgery. Fusion permanently joins 2 vertebrae together. Lumbar disk replacement is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay.
How are artificial discs held in place?
After removing the damaged disc, the empty space is filled with a bone graft (Figure 1). The graft is held in place with metal plates and screws. New bone cells begin to grow, and after several months, the two vertebrae will have fused into one solid piece of bone.
What is the success rate of artificial disc replacement surgery?
One study shows that artificial disc replacement surgery has an 87.5% success rate. However, according to the FDA, the success rate of this surgery is higher than 90%.
How risky is disc replacement?
The main risks with disc replacement surgery are: tear of the dura (the protective sheath around the spinal nerves) which can cause a leak of spinal fluid (14%) infection (2% to 3%) post-operative bleeding. nerve injury leading to weakness or numbness.
Is disc replacement surgery painful?
There is usually some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery. Most commonly, the recovering patient has some pain and soreness at the incision site at the front of the neck. Other symptoms may also be present, such as trouble with swallowing or speaking.
Are artificial discs safe?
While artificial discs appear safe when used in experienced hands, they are not for everyone. Patients with multi-level lumbar pathology are less likely to benefit than patients with one-level of lumbar disc degeneration.
Who is a candidate for artificial disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement surgery is a good option for patients whose back pain, numbness, and tingling originate in only one or two discs in the spine. You are also considered a candidate for artificial disc replacement surgery if you have discs that are damaged enough to cause nerve compression.
How long is recovery after disc replacement?
You will gradually start returning to normal activities. You should ask your surgeon about any activity restrictions and when you can take a regular shower or bath. You may start physical therapy after a few weeks. You should be able to return to full activities by 4 to 6 weeks.
Who is not a candidate for artificial disc replacement?
Cervical ADR is not recommended for patients with any of the following: Advanced spinal degeneration. Replacing a damaged disc cannot help improve problems associated with an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament or degenerating facet joints, such as from osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.