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Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Relevant information about Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery.
Artificial Disc Replacement is a relatively new procedure that is now considered as an alternative to spinal fusion surgery. This new type of spinal surgery is used to treat patients with Degenerative Disc Disease allowing them not only to remove the pain, but also to preserve the motion of the spinal column.
This surgical process is considered as a treatment for the Degenerative Disc Disease. This disease usually develops in patient’s spinal discs during the aging process. Spinal discs are located between the vertebrae of the spinal column and act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae. They also contribute to the flexibility and motion of the column. The discs have two different parts made of two different materials. The first part, which is called annulus fibrosus, consists of the outer portion of the disc. It is made of a strong, fibrous material. The second part, which is called nucleus pulposus, consists of the inner portion of the disc. It is made of a soft material, with a consistence similar to jelly. Degenerative Disc Disease happens when spinal discs weaken and develop tears or cracks in the annulus fibrosus. As a consequence of this, the soft material from the nucleus pulposus may bulge out and press against the cracked outer portion, generating pain.
The procedure begins with an incision that is made on the abdomen. The incision must allow removing the abdominal contents temporarily in order to leave the spine exposed. Then, once the disc is removed two metal plates are pressed into the bony endplates above and below the space now vacated by the disc. These plates are held in place on the bone with metal spikes. Finally, a plastic spacer made of a polyethylene core is put between the plates. After closing the incision, the patient’s own body weight will begin to compress the spacer and eventually, bone will grow over and around the metal plates.
Most patients are able to walk on the evening of surgery. Usually the Hospital stay is from one to two days. Patients function at home without extra assistance but it is recommended to have some meals prepared in advance for the first few days after returning home. Showers can be taken after five or seven days. However, shower stools may be used only after one or two weeks. On the first month, some rehabilitation programs, consisting on stretching, walking and abdominal strengthening exercises will be done by the patient. In addition there will be some activity restrictions. Between six and eight weeks after surgery most patients will be able to return to their routines.
As a spinal surgery, Artificial Disc Replacement may have complications related with the spinal column. During the procedure the most common complication is nerve injury. This happens when a surgical instrument accidentally damages the spinal cord or nerves. This type of injury can cause loss of sensation or muscle weakness in the areas supplied by the damaged parts. After the procedure, three possible complications may happen. Spontaneous Ankylosis happens when the spine spontaneously fuses itself. The main consequence of this is loss of motion. Subsidence happens when the implant sinks causing a loss in the normal disc height. Neurologic compression may be a side effect of this problem. Finally, the third possible complication is implant failure. An inflammatory response from the body, generated by tiny bits of debris, may cause pain and implant failure. In this case, the procedure may be repeated. However, possible complications like these are rare, the procedure being considered one of the safest of its type.
Artificial Disc Replacement allows motion in the part of the spine where the disc is implanted. The prostheses used are designed to imitate normal movement of the spinal discs between the adjacent vertebrae.
The procedure does not completely eliminate the pain, and although the spinal column is able to move, it will never recover its original motion capacity.
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