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back pain

Disc Replacement Surgery

Artificial disc replacement surgery is a far more enlightened approach to spinal surgery than other traditional methods, such as discectomy, laminectomy and especially spinal fusion. Disc replacement is used to treat herniated and worn out discs caused by a wide range of traumatic and degenerative processes. This procedure is also called artificial disc implantation or intervertebral disc arthroplasty.

Disc Replacement Surgery

* Disc Nucleus Replacement

What is Disc Replacement Surgery?

Disc replacement can be performed through a variety of surgical approaches, but is typically done through an abdominal incision. The injured or degenerated disc is removed and a new artificial disc is placed in between the vertebral bones. Once the new disc is secured in place, the incisions are closed and the patient is sent on the road to recovery. It is amazing how fast some patients heal and most are encouraged to stand and walk within hours of undergoing surgery.

Intervertebral Disc Arthroplasty Indications

Artificial disc implantation is recommended for patients with degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc. There are still somewhat narrow parameters used to determine eligibility for certain devices, but there is no doubt that time will improve both the flexibility of disc replacement operations, as well as the effectiveness. Surgeons generally specialize in using one particular type of artificial disc, but in the future, doctors will most likely offer a range of individual choices based on the best device for each specific patient.

Disc Replacement Surgery Facts

There are many artificial disc devices in general use and even more in clinical trials and development. The future of disc replacement seems to be very promising and there is no doubt that untold billions are to be made by surgical device manufacturers. Disc implantation is a remarkable technology which has shown real promise as the very first herniated disc surgery procedure which might just maintain the form and function of the human spine, the way nature intended it to be. The surgery has been used in Europe for many years, but has only enjoyed limited success in the US during the past decade. The FDA has committed itself to rigorous testing for all new artificial discs prior to them being accepted for general usage. Although long term results of most devices will not be available for some time, preliminary data is promising and most patients seem to be better off than those treated with spinal fusion surgeries.
Disc Replacement Surgery to Herniated Disc Home
10/7/08 Revised 12/7/09

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