Our Specialties Include
- Spinal and Orthopaedic Surgery
- Brain / Neurosurgery
- Intracranial Disease Alternatives
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Pain Management Services
- Joint Replacement
- Gender Knee Replacements
- Artificial Disc Replacement
- Kyphoplasty
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Programs
- Sports Medicine Specialists
Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery
Disc replacement surgery using an artificial disc has many advantages over traditional disc fusion, in which vertebrae are grafted together. Disc replacement surgery allows a greater range of motion when compared to traditional spinal fusion surgery. Although spine fusion may alleviate pain symptoms, the vertebrae surrounding the disc space are immobilized, limiting range of motion.
Disc replacement surgery also requires no bone graft. Often times with spinal fusion surgery, the bone graft used to fill the disc space is bone that the surgeon has taken from the patient’s hip. This requires that two incisions be made, leaving two scars and more pain compared to disc replacement surgery. Disc replacement offers quicker recovery time and less pain incurred during the rehabilitation period.
Candidates for An Artificial Disc
Artificial discs are seen as an alternative to spinal fusion for patients that have one diseased disc (Degenerative Disc Disease) in the lower spine. Degenerative Disc Disease is a disc that has worn out or become injured and causes back pain. Patients with DDD whose vertebrae (bones) have moved no more than 3mm (0.12in) may still receive an artificial disc. History and x-rays confirm the disc deterioration, and whether artificial disc replacement is a treatment option. Patients receiving an artificial disc should have failed at least six months of treatment such as pain medication or physical therapy.
Who Should Not Receive Artificial Disc Replacements
Artificial discs and disc replacement should not be used if:
- You’re suffering from an infection that affects your spine, or entire body
- You have disc deterioration or instability between more than two discs
- You suffer from osteoporosis or osteopenia
Other factors can contribute to whether you are a candidate for an artificial disc replacement:
- Occupation or activity levels
- Weight over a certain threshold
- Confounding conditions found in the spine
- Pregnancy
What to Expect After Surgery
After disc replacement surgery, it is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery. In most cases, immediately after surgery, your heart and lung function will continue to be monitored, and your doctor will prescribe medicines to control pain and nausea.
Lacombe & Bogalusa Offices
The NORTH Institute has offices in both Lacombe and Bogalusa, and proudly services the entire North Shore, including Covington, Mandeville, & Slidell.
Last Modified: December 28, 2010