Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces painful, worn-out, or arthritic discs with an artificial disc made from metal and plastic. Although spinal fusion is the traditional treatment for disc problems, artificial disc replacement offers a new alternative. The main benefits of artificial disc replacement include faster recovery and preservation of the disc’s ability to move. It is also postulated that disc replacement will decrease stress and arthritis to the areas above and below the affected disc, as compared to spinal fusion.
Did You Know?
While the FDA has only currently approved artificial disc replacement for use in the lumbar spine, many artificial disc prototypes for use in the cervical spine are being studied for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for artificial disc replacement?
You may be a candidate for artificial disc replacement if you have isolated 1-level degenerative disc disease. However, patients with spinal fractures, instability, neurologic compression, or multiple level degenerative disc disease are not ideal candidates and are better suited for spinal fusion. To find out if artificial disc replacement is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pranay Patel at one of our South Bay, Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Manhattan Beach locations.
What can I expect when having artificial disc replacement surgery at Ocean Spine with Dr. Pranay Patel?
You can expect your ADR surgery to be performed at a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. The first part of your surgery (discectomy) will be performed by making an incision on the left side of your belly button. The abdominal muscles will gently be pulled apart and the peritoneal sac containing your abdominal organs will be gently placed to the side. The large blood vessels will also be moved in order to gain access to the lumbar spine. Once the lumbar spine is visible, the affected disc will be removed and replaced with the prosthetic disc. All the structures are placed in their proper position, then the incision will be sutured shut.
What can I expect after having transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery?
After your surgery, you will wake up in recovery where you will be monitored as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. In most cases, you can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-3 days while you work on moving around. Oftentimes, you must be able to sit up, move, and walk in order to be discharged.
As you start the recovery process, it is normal to have some pain. Dr. Pranay Patel will provide you with the necessary pain medications to manage any post-operative discomfort. You will also be provided with a list of instructions to follow until you have recovered. Generally, these include attending physical therapy and avoiding activities that strain your spine, like lifting or twisting. Although wearing a back brace is not normally required, you may be given a soft lumbar corset to provide extra support during recovery. Most patients recover in 4-6 weeks and can generally return to light work duties by around 2-3 weeks. However, it is recommended to avoid moderate level work and recreational sports until about three months after surgery. Even after the spine has healed, people with an artificial disc are also recommended to avoid extremely heavy lifting, laborious work, and impact sports.