Our orthopedic surgeons use disc replacement as an alternative to disc fusion.
Artificial disks allow motion to continue after the degenerated disk is removed. The artificial disk may restore the height between the vertebral bodies.
The artificial disks may widen the passageway (neural foramina) through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. They can relieve pressure on facet joints and help to maintain the natural curvature of the lumbar spine.
The disk replacement device may comprise the nucleus (center) of the disk while leaving the annulus (outer ring) in place, although this technology is still in an investigative stage.
Alternatively, total artificial disk replacements substitute the annulus and nucleus with a mechanical device that will simulate spinal function.
There are a number of different disk designs. Each is unique in its own way but all maintain a similar goal: to reproduce the size and function of a normal intervertebral disk. Some of the disks are made of metal, while others are a combination metal and plastic, similar to joint replacements in the knee and hip. Materials used include medical grade plastic (polyethylene) and medical grade cobalt chromium or titanium alloy.
The surgical implantation procedure of these devices may take 3 to 6 hours. The procedure is performed through an incision in the abdomen.
