Total Disc Replacement

Total disc replacement is undertaken to help with symptoms of back pain arising from a disc which has become worn and damaged. Pain may be originating from the damaged disc itself as well as from other structures such as the small joints at the back of the spine (the facet joints) which can become overloaded as the disc collapses and narrows. This narrowing of the disc, which occurs as the degenerative disease progresses, causes the vertebra above to sink down towards the one below putting extra pressure on the facet joints. The loss of disc height also reduces the size of the openings to either side where the nerves leave the spine, called neural foramen. This may pinch the nerve roots adding leg pain, and sometimes other symptoms, to the problems experienced with a degenerative disc.

 

Disc replacement surgery rectifies these various problems. The pain generating disc is completely cleared away. The artificial disc inserted in its place mimics a normal healthy disc, restoring normal movement at this part of the spine and avoiding the transfer of stress to other parts of the lower back. The height of the disc is returned to normal too, off-loading the facet joints and opening out the neural foramen on either side.

 

The operation normally takes about two hours for a single level disc replacement and about three and a half hours if two discs are being replaced.

 

Most people are able to go home after about four days for a single level disc replacement and perhaps five days if two levels are replaced.

 

To know more about Total disc replacement procedure, call us or use our online form.