What is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a revolutionary surgical procedure designed to alleviate pain and restore mobility in individuals suffering from degenerative disc disease and other spinal disorders.
This innovative approach replaces a damaged or diseased disc with a prosthetic disc, allowing motion preservation and improved quality of life. As spine surgery techniques evolve, patients considering artificial disc replacement must understand the benefits and considerations of this option.
What is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial disc replacement is a spinal procedure where a damaged disc between two vertebrae is removed and replaced with an implant to alleviate pain.
This artificial disc replicates the function of the original disc, supporting the vertebrae above it while allowing for natural bending, flexing, and twisting. Ultimately, this procedure alleviates neck or lower back pain while preserving spinal mobility.
Types of Artificial Disc Replacement Spine Surgery
- Cervical disc replacement surgery
- Lumbar disc replacement surgery
Characteristics
Key Components of ADR: Artificial discs can be made from metal, ceramics or a plastic composite, much like the materials used in knee and hip replacements. Common materials include medical-grade polyethylene, cobalt-chromium alloy, and titanium alloy. Usually the implant consists of two endplates and a joint between them, which can have various designs.
Motion Preserving: One of the main advantages of ADR is that it preserves spinal motion. Patients can often return to normal activities with less restriction than traditional fusion techniques.
Types according to the spine segment:
Anterior Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (ACDA): In cases involving the cervical spine, ACDA is a specific form of artificial disc replacement that focuses on the neck region, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots while allowing for motion preservation.
Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty is the procedure name in cases involving the lumbar spine. The implant is based on the same principle and function, but much larger.
Who is a Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?
Not everyone with neck or back pain is a suitable candidate for total disc replacement. To assess your suitability for disk replacement, your surgeon may perform several tests, including:
- MRI Scans
- Discography
- CT Scans
- X-rays including motion views
These tests help identify the source of your neck or back pain. Ideal candidates typically present with specific conditions, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Single- or two-level disease
- No previous surgery in the same segment
- Spondylosis
- Cervical or lumbar disc prolapse
- Appropriate alignment
- No instability
- No deformity
Benefits of Artificial Disc Replacement
Preserve Neck or Back Mobility: Unlike Fusion, ADR maintains natural movement.
Cervical and Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Success Rate
Over the past two decades, artificial disc designs have seen significant advancements. As a result, artificial disc replacement has become highly effective at alleviating pain, restoring function, and maintaining spinal mobility. Patient satisfaction rates usually range from 85% to 95%.
Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery Time
After undergoing artificial disc replacement (ADR) through a minimally invasive approach, you can typically start walking on the same day as your surgery.
However, it is crucial to heed your doctor’s advice concerning the level of activity in order not to complicate matters, allow proper wound healing, and avoid re-injury to the surgical site.
A physical therapist will assist you during your recovery, helping you regain your activity levels and teaching you safe techniques for lifting and performing daily tasks.
Risks of Artificial Disc Replacement
Surgical Risks: Similar to any surgery, and additionally:
- Potential for Revision Surgery: The artificial disc may have to be replaced at some point in time, just as may happen in hip or knee replacements.
- Slightly increased complication rate due to mobility of the implant, like displacement or malfunction.
- Fusion of the segment: some percentage of the spine segments fuse over a time even in spite of the presence of the artificial disc.
Artificial disc replacement represents a significant advancement in spine surgery, providing a viable alternative to traditional spinal fusion.
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) can greatly improve the quality of life for many patients with spinal disorders by maintaining mobility.
If you are considering artificial disc replacement, consult with Dr Martin Liner to explore your options and determine the best action for your needs.
